Poe asks DOTr to work faster for better MRT-3 service

FILE: Senator Grace Poe made this remark a day after 24-year-old Angeline Fernando got her arm caught in the coupler linking two train coaches together when she fell into a space between them. (Photo: Grace Poe/ Facebook)

MANILA — If the Metro Rail Transit-3 (MRT-3) had railing safety features, the recent accident wherein a woman lost her arm when she fell off the platform could have been prevented, a senator said Wednesday.

Senator Grace Poe made this remark a day after 24-year-old Angeline Fernando got her arm caught in the coupler linking two train coaches together when she fell into a space between them.

Fernando was immediately brought to the hospital and is now recovering. Reports showed that her arm has been successfully reattached to her body.

“What happened was a very unfortunate incident that could have been prevented with a passenger railing safety feature,” Poe said in a press statement.

Poe said that right now, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) should focus on the overall safety of the MRT as this could impact more people in case of serious technical glitches.

“In reality, the riding public faces so many of the MRT’s structural and technical time bombs that put in serious doubt the DOTr’s assurance that it is still safe to ride these trains,” she added.

Poe cited the example of how the signaling system of the rails, which is a basic safety component, is incompatible with the Dalian trains purchased by the previous administration.

She pointed out that the rails are also defective and broken, and have yet to be fully replaced by the agency.

The senator acknowledged that these problems began during the past administration but stressed that the current administration must also do its part to resolve them.

“While many of the woes began with the past administration, the current problems are now in the hands of the DOTr,” Poe said.

“If they are earnest and sincere in addressing these problems, then they should work faster on bettering our train system,” she added.

Poe is chair of the Senate Committee on Public Services.