The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is looking to extend morning train operating hours to better accommodate Filipino workers who depend on early commutes to get to their workplaces.
In a press briefing at Malacañang, Transportation Secretary Vincenzo “Vince” Dizon said the initiative builds on the recent extension of evening train services and is part of a broader strategy to improve public transport accessibility and ease rush hour congestion.
“Many of our workers start their day early, and we want to make sure the train system is available to support them,” Dizon emphasized.
“At iyong proposal din po natin na pinipilit natin ngayon ay makapag-extend pa tayo ng kahit kaunti ng hours sa umaga, para din po sa workers iyan,” he said.
He confirmed that the number of operational trains has increased to 23, and discussions are currently ongoing with Sumitomo Corporation of Japan to acquire three additional trains, which would allow for both capacity expansion and more flexible schedules.
"Iyong mga iba pa, siyempre iyong pagdagdag natin ng tren, nasa 23 trains na po tayo ngayon. Pero kagaya po ng inanunsiyo natin this week, gusto pa nating magdagdag ng tatlo pa sana. Tayo po ay kasalukuyang nakikipag-usap sa Sumitomo Corporation ng Japan para madagdagan pa lalo ang mga tren natin, of course, without compromising the safety of the system, the safety of the trains," he emphasized.
Contrary to claims by some labor groups that workers are often treated as an afterthought in policymaking, the DOTr stressed that laborers remain at the center of the agency's efforts.
Early morning commuters, particularly in labor-intensive industries, often face long lines and packed trains. By opening train operations earlier, the DOTr aims to alleviate pressure on the MRT system and the parallel EDSA Busway, offering a more efficient and dignified commute for Filipino workers.
The planned morning extension follows the earlier implementation of a one-hour evening extension made a few weeks ago to accommodate late-night riders.
Dizon said the initial results have been promising and that replicating the extension in the morning could significantly improve commuter flow during peak hours.
