AKBAYAN Partylist Representative Perci Cendaña appealed to the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the MRT-3 management to immediately conduct audits of the operational railway systems to ensure their safety and efficiency, after six individuals were hospitalized due to an escalator malfunction at the MRT-3 Taft Avenue Station on Tuesday.
“Nakikita natin ‘yung ‘domino effect’ kapag hindi consistent ang safety audit ng mga train facilities natin. Hindi lang ito delikado, pero malaking hassle rin sa mga komyuter. Huwag na tayong maghintay ng mga kasunod na aksidente para magkaroon ng regular inspections at maintenance ang ating mga tren. Gawin na natin ito ASAP,” Cendaña urged.
“‘Yung mga mananakay natin, gusto lang naman pumasok sa eskwelahan o trabaho, tapos bibigyan natin ng sakit ng katawan? Mali ‘yun. Dapat payapa ang utak nila sa tuwing sasakay sila ng tren — walang takot na biglang dadausdos pababa ang escalator o titigil na lang basta-basta ang sinasakyan nila,” he added.
The ascending escalator had suddenly stopped and reversed its direction, leaving commuters injured and stacked on top of each other. This prompted the Akbayan Representative to further urge the management to “take proactive measures” in keeping the trains moving, not just smoothly but also safely.
“‘Wag din sana ito gawing dahilan para hindi i-extend ang operating hours ng trains. Safety, efficiency and extended operation hours are not mutually exclusive. Kayang-kaya ‘yan ma-achieve with enough political will and innovation,” the Akbayan Representative said.
Since last year, the party has been leading a campaign to extend the operating hours of LRT-1, LRT-2, and MRT-3 trains until midnight. In February, the newly-appointed DOTr Secretary Dizon expressed his openness to the initiative, saying that “this is for passenger welfare.”
