Fully-operational MRT-3 escalators open for public use

MRT-3
(Photo from Facebook)

MANILA – With the ‘Out of Order’ sign no longer near in sight any of the Metro Rail Transit 3 (MRT-3) escalators, passengers can finally take it as a go signal to finally use them.

The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) on Monday announced that all MRT-3 escalators can now provide relief to commuters — especially senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and pregnant women.

To recall, the Php22.11-million project was awarded to Jardine Schindler Elevator Corporation in June 2015 through the Department of Budget and Management’s Procurement Service (PS-DBM).

The contractor holds proprietary rights to rehabilitate the 12 Schindler-brand escalators as the brand’s exclusive distributor.

At present, the projects to rehabilitate the other batch of escalators, which includes 34 Mitsubishi-brand facilities, and to replace 32 elevators are under procurement by the PS-DBM.

DOTC Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya meanwhile assured that more facility upgrades will follow.

“Passengers can expect a more convenient commuting experience with the rehabilitated escalators now up and running,” Abaya said in a statement.

“The restoration of these conveyance facilities is a small step towards long-term progress that will make a valuable difference in the lives of daily commuters,” he added.

Meanwhile, testing for the second of 48 new light rail vehicles (LRVs) or coach for the MRT-3 system is presently undergoing static testing.

Next week, the same LRV will undergo dynamic testing, such as checks on acceleration and braking, to ensure the reliability of components.

DOTC earlier assured that there will be a 67-percent increase in passenger capacity after the delivery of four LRVs per month from March until January 2017.

Two more LRVs will be delivered in February, completing the three-LRV train to be added to the revenue line after all the necessary assessments by the end of March.