LTFRB deploys 60 buses as alternative transport for MRT riders

PNA photo

MANILA — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has deployed 60 buses that offer the same rates as the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) to assist passengers waiting in long queues.

This initiative comes as the Department of Transportation (DOTr) announced Friday that the MRT-3 has resumed normal operations with 18 trains running at 40 km. per hour (kph) during peak hours covering the entire stretch of EDSA from North Ave. in Quezon City to Taft Ave. in Pasay City.

LTFRB board member and spokesperson Aileen Lizada stated that these buses will be deployed until Sunday, as requested by the DOTr.

The MRT management conducted its safety inspection of the entire fleet of the railway system resulting in the reduction in speed and number of trains running during peak hours.

It decided to conduct a thorough inspection of the wheel axles of all trains following an incident Tuesday night wherein an axle of the bogey system of one of its trains broke down, causing a strange noise and strong lateral movement that could result in train derailment if ignored.

The DOTr appealed for understanding among the commuters due to the longer waiting times at the stations as it reiterated that it will ensure the fast completion of the safety inspection to deploy additional trains that will mitigate the impact of speed reduction.