A 24-hour operation of Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) is not possible to be implemented anytime soon due to the vital nighttime maintenance activities, according to its management on Thursday.
In a statement, MRT-3 Director for Operations Oscar Bongon said any delay in the scheduled maintenance of the rail system may affect its operations for the next trips.
"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," said Bongon.
Bongon said that all train sets are scheduled for maintenance activities after each last trip and before its first trip in the morning.
The nighttime maintenance procedure includes a routine inspection, cleaning, troubleshooting, washing, shunting or uncoupling, and other preventive activities, among others.
"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," he added.
Meanwhile, MRT-3 aims to expand the current three-car train system to 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," Bongon said.
