Long MRT-3 lines caused by limited number of operational trains

Passengers desperate to catch a ride. (Photo courtesy of PhotoBucket owner)

MANILA — Lines at the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) were exceptionally long on Monday morning following the unexpected decline in the number of operational trains.

Reports showed that there were only seven MRT-3 trains that were operational after the rest of the line’s trains encountered problems with their air conditioning units.

The air conditioning units were, however, immediately repaired.

This is not the first time the MRT-3 experienced a decline in the number of operational trains.

Due to a glitch last April 21, operational trains in the MRT-3 were down to only five trains. This data is considered the lowest number since the MRT started in 1999.

This glitch led to a buildup of passengers in its stations. Around 10,000 passengers were affected by the rail system’s limited operations.

MRT general manager Roman Buenafe earlier told reporters that the management is considering limiting the entry of passengers to the railway platforms owing to the decrease in the number of available trains.

Buenafe said that one way to limit passengers in the MRT-3 was have guards to put on hold if a certain number of passengers that has reached the platform or the train.

He said that in addition, management will make it a point to announce over the public address system that only a certain number of passengers can enter the platform.

A third option is to limit the number of magnetic tickets told to passengers.

The MRT-3 currently serves an average of 400 to 500 thousand passengers daily. However, Buenafe said that the number has declined since available trains were available.

Buenafe has earlier expressed hope that the MRT-3’s maintenance contractor, Autre Porte Technique Global Inc. (APT Global) could provide a full set of 20 trains.