The Metro Rail Transit-3 (MRT-3) deployed its first-ever four-car train set on Monday, during the kickoff of the railway line's month-long free ride program.
According to the MRT-3 management, the four-car train sets can carry up to 1,576 passengers, or 394 passengers each train car, to further boost the railway's capacity.
The trains will be deployed during peak hours, starting at 7:00 a.m. for the morning rush, and later at 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. for the afternoon peak hours.
The four-car train set is included in the 18 to 22 trains running during peak hours, according to MRT-3 OIC-General Manager and Director for Operations Michael Capati, a bigger number than the previous 10 to 15 trains before its rehabilitation.
"Malayong-malayo po 'yung ngayon sa napapatakbo natin noon na 10-15 tren lang, at may all-time low pa na 6 na tren. Ngayon, dahil sa tuloy-tuloy na overhauling ng ating mga bagon, nasa 48 na po sa 72 ang natapos ma-overhaul at operational cars kaya naman mas marami na po ang reliable cars natin na nagagamit," said Capati in a statement.
(This is farm from the 10-15 trains before, which even had an all-time low of six trains. Now because of the continuous overhauling of train coaches, 48 out of 72 of overhauled train cars are now operating and more can enjoy the reliable train cars.)
The deployment of the train also coincided with the opening of the month-long free MRT-3 train rides, which will last until April 30, 2022.
The program marks the completion of MRT-3's rehabilitation, which seeks to revive the public's self-confidence on public transportation.
The free rides also want to reduce the burden on commuters who are suffering from increasing prices of fuel and commodities, and are asked to return to work on-site amid the pandemic.
