MANILA — Over 7, 000 meters of brand-new steel rails for the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) have been acquired by the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) last week, the agency said on Sunday.
DOTC said that the acquisition of a total of 7,296 lineal meters of steel rails means that the agency is on track to start replacement of its worn-out rails to ensure safer and smoother rides to the public.
At present, DOTC and MRT-3 management already implemented several rounds of critical rail replacement works earlier this year.
Stabling rails have been used to replace 348 meters between the Magallanes and Taft Avenue Stations and another 126 meters between the Santolan and Ortigas Stations.
DOTC noted that stabling rails are the tracks located within the MRT-3 depot designed for parking purposes facilities but not in actual or regular use.
The agency said that scheduling for the installation of the new rails will be prepared by MRT-3 management and will draw largely from the time-and-motion study of the replacement efforts done in previous months where works will more likely be conducted during non-operating hours.
Meanwhile, six new maintenance providers began rendering services on Sunday for the following components of the MRT-3: (1) Rolling Stocks, Depot Equipment, and Signalling; (2) Rail Tracks and Permanent Ways; (3) Buildings and Facilities; (4) Power Supply and OCS; (5) Communications Systems; and (6) Ticketing Systems. This is expected to provide better reliability and convenience for riders within a matter of weeks.
DOTC said that rehabilitation works to shortening queues are ongoing. The prototype of the new car trains is slated to arrive in August while the new tap-and-go ticketing system will be available last this year.
The first batch of conveyance facilities is set to be refurbished within the next six months, and is expected to provide relief to commuters. These facilities cover 12 of the train’s escalators.
On the other hand, the projects to rehabilitate the remaining 34 escalators and to replace 32 elevators are up for procurement, DOTC said.