MRT3 undecided yet on extending operating hours for holiday season

The management of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT3) has not yet decided whether to extend the transit system's operating hours during the holiday season, during which the replacement of rail tracks is scheduled to be done.

"Pinag-aaralan namin 'yung extension ng oras kasi baka kakailanganin...," MRT-3 director Mike Capati told reporters in a press conference in Quezon City on Thursday.

"With that also we need to consult our maintenance provider kasi 'pag nag-extend ako ng isang oras ang magiging repercussion niyan mawawalan sila ng isang oras for replacement ng riles," Capati said.

The replacement of MRT-3's rail tracks by rehabilitation and maintenance provider Sumitomo will begin in November.

Capati noted that the rail replacement works are scheduled to be conducted from 11 p.m. to 3 a.m.

The MRT-3 official said the railway system's management is prioritizing the replacement of the tracks but is also considering the concern of commuters who want an extension of operating hours in time for their Christmas shopping activities.

"Pag-aaralan namin kasi baka mamaya aprubahan namin ang magiging epekto naman bawas ka ng isang oras sa pag rehab ng riles, eh pag rehab ng riles ang prioridad natin kesa sa pag extend," Capati said.

"Pinag aaralan po namin 'yan. We will come up with the best solution para sa mananakay natin," he added. — BM, GMA News