24-hour operations for the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 DOTr MRT-3 may not be implemented anytime soon as the line cannot afford to delay nor shorten its vital nighttime maintenance activities.
MRT-3 Director for Operations Engineer Oscar Bongon said all train sets undergo scheduled maintenance activities at the depot after the last trip in the evening until before the first trip the next morning.
“Napaka-vital po nito kasi ito po ‘yung ating linya, dito po tumatakbo ‘yung mga tren natin. Ini- ensure natin na from the tracks to the signalling and then the power lahat po yan tsine-check natin para reliable ang ating operations at saka ‘yung safety nai-ensure natin na walang aberya sa revenue period,” Dir. Bongon said at the MRT-3 depot on Wednesday.
Citing the phasing in maintenance activities, Dir. Bongon explained that any delay in the time schedule would affect other portions of the rail system.
“Kailangan ma-ensure na nami-maintain kasi po pag hindi mami-maintain, slowly mag deteriorate ‘yung system,” Dir. Bongon said.
According to the MRT-3 official, said extended hours of operations is not feasible for the rail system.
“Tayo po, iisa lang ang linya natin so we really have to maintain it. ‘Yun po ang kaibahan. Gaya sa Japan o Europe, marami silang linyang magkakasabay so pwedeng during nighttime na konti ang passenger demand, papatayin niya ang ibang linya at imaintain ‘yun at salitan ‘yun so they can operate 24 hours,” added Dir. Bongon.
Dir. Bongon said the nighttime maintenance of trains involves inspection, cleaning, trouble-shooting, washing, shunting or uncoupling, and other preventive activities, among others.
With an existing 24 three-car trains, the MRT-3 plans to make the rail line operate with four-car trains to accommodate more passengers.
“Kasama yan sa kontrata ng Sumitomo na ‘pag natapos niya na ‘yung expansion pwede na tayong mag four-car train bago po matapos ang 2025,” Dir. Bongon said.
