The management of the Metro Rail Transit 3 (MRT-3) said that its free train rides program has now served more than 13 million passengers. The free MRT-3 rides started on March 28, 2022, which comes after the completed rehabilitation program of the said rail system.
The free train rides program was launched to highlight the MRT-3’s improved service and facilities. It is also meant to help commuters who are now reporting back to work, and serve as an alternative transport for private vehicle owners in consideration of the current fuel prices.
The MRT-3 shared that its free ride program has given 13,150,386 free rides so far since its launch last March 2022. Initially, the MRT-3 free train rides was set from March 28 to April 30. It was then extended up to May 30 due to the rising fuel prices.
The DOTr said that 8,472,637 passengers were given free rides from March 28 to April 30 while 4,677,749 were recorded so far this month.
The passenger capacity of the MRT-3 has also increased as it now has three four-car trains and 18 three-car trains. The DOTr noted that each three-car train set can accommodate 1,186 passengers while a four-car train set can handle 1,576 passengers.
DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade said that the MRT-3 rehabilitation project was undertaken by Japan’s Sumitomo Corp.-Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. The project commenced in April 2019 with the goal of restoring MRT-3’s efficiency and capability.
Tugade added that the MRT-3 now runs at an operating speed of 60 km/h from the previous 25 km/h. The DOTr Secretary also stated that the train interval was reduced to 3.5 minutes from 10 minutes. The MRT-3’s power supply, overhead catenary system, communications and signaling, and depot facilities were also upgraded.
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