MRT3 train speed to increase 40Kph starting Oct. 1

The Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT3) is set to increase train speeds beginning next month in an effort to provide faster travel and shorter waiting time for passengers.

In a statement, the Department of Transportation announced that starting October 1, 2020 the travel speed for MRT3’s trains will increase to 40 kilometers per hour (Kph) from the current 30Kph.

The increased train speed is a result of the installation of the new long-welded rails (LWRs) in all of the MRT3 stations as part of the massive rehabilitation program of the EDSA rail line, being implemented by Sumitomo-Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, according to the DOTr.

“The MRT3 was able to complete its rail replacement works this month, several months ahead of its scheduled completion in February 2021,” Transportation Assistant Secretary Goddess Libiran told reporters in a Viber group message.

The operating speed will gradually increase from 40Kph in October to 50Kph by November and 60Kph by December 2020 —MRT3’s maximum train speed way back in 2013.

“Even during the implementation of  strict community quarantine levels, with the approval of the IATF, we continued with the massive rehabilitation of the MRT3, which includes replacing all worn out rails with new ones,” Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said.

“Our commuters have suffered enough from the past. It is only right that we give them back their dignity in commuting using the MRT3,” Tugade said.

“Noong mga nakaraang buwan, naiayos natin ang mga bagon, ang mga aircon, maging ang mga elevator at escalator. Noong isang linggo, nagawa nating magpatakbo ng record-breaking number of trains sa MRT3. Patunay lamang ‘yan na may Covid o wala, tuloy ang trabaho ng DOTr at ng MRT3,” he added.

The DOTr said the MRT3 has continued its rail replacement works during the enforcement of the enhanced community quarantine and modified ECQ period, where 9,216 (13.98%) linear meters were completed.

“After being able to increase the number of running trains, our next target is to increase the speed of our trains in the mainline, until it reaches 60Kph. With the help of our rehabilitation and maintenance providers, Sumitomo-Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, we assure the public that a better performance and a brighter future may be expected from the MRT-3,” MRT3 director for Operations Michael Capati said.

“Every month, we are conducting system check to test the alignment of the new tracks, the Overhead Catenary System (OCS), and signaling and communications to ensure that our trains are safe and secured while traveling along the mainline,” Capati added.

Prior to the completion of installation of the new LWRs, average train speed was 30Kph with an average headway between 8.5 minutes to 9 minutes for 20 trains.

With the improvement on the running speed, waiting time is expected to be shortened to 6.5 minutes to 7 minutes.—AOL, GMA News