DOTr: Permanent extension of MRT, LRT operating hours 'not feasible'

Extending the operating hours of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 and the Light Rail Transit systems permanently is "not feasible," the Department of Transportation said on Thursday.

In a statement, the DOTr said it understood the intent to provide improved convenience to commuters but added that the rail sector could not sacrifice the maintenance time of the metro rail systems.

“Extending operating hours on a permanent basis will compromise the ability of our maintenance teams to conduct necessary system checks and repairs," the DOTr said.

"These activities are vital to guarantee the safety, reliability, and efficiency of our train services," it added.

The MRT and LRT systems have adjusted operating hours to accommodate the expected influx of passengers amid the holiday season.

MRT-3 extended operations

For its extended operating hours from December 16 to December 23, the MRT-3 will start its first commercial trip from North Avenue station at 4:30 a.m and 5:05 a.m from Taft Avenue.

The train line will extend its operating hours, with the last commercial train departing North Avenue at 10:34 p.m. and Taft Avenue at 11:08 p.m.

However, on Dec 24 and 31, the last commercial train will depart North Avenue at 7:45 p.m. and Taft Avenue at 8:23 p.m.

On December 25, 2024 and January 1, 2025, the MRT-3 operation will start at 6:30 a.m. with the last commercial train leaving North Avenue at 9:30 a.m. and Taft Avenue at 10:09 p.m.

Regular hours will be followed on December 26 to 30, 2024 and January 2, 2025 onwards.

Regular hours on MRT-3 has the first train leaving the North Ave station at 4:36 a.m. on weekdays, 4:37 a.m. on Saturdays, and 4:38 a.m. on Sundays.

The last train from North Avenue leaves at 9:30 p.m. on all days of the week.

The first train leaves Taft Avenue station at 5:18 a.m. on weekdays, 5:18 a.m. on Saturdays, and 5:19 a.m. on Sundays.

The last train leaves Taft Avenue at 10:11 p.m. on weekdays, 10:08 p.m. on Saturdays, and 10:09 p.m. on Sundays.

LRT-2 extended hours

The LRT-2's extended operating hours will have commercial trips in Antipolo and Recto stations starting at 5 a.m. from December 17 to December 23.

Its operating hours will be extended on the said dates, with Antipolo Station scheduling its last trip at 9:30 p.m. and Recto station at 10 p.m. 

On December 24, both LRT-2 stations will open at 5 a.m. but Antipolo station will have its last commercial trip at 8 p.m. and Recto station at 8:30 p.m.

Regular operating hours will be implemented from December 25 to December 30 and January 1 onwards.

Regular operations on the LRT-2 start at the Recto and Antipolo stations at 5 a.m.

The last train from Antipolo station leaves at 9 p.m. while the last train from Recto leaves at 9:30 p.m.

LRT-1 adjusted operations

LRT-1, which runs from Dr. Santos Station (formerly Sucat) in Paranaque to the Fernando Poe Jr. Station in Quezon City, will begin its adjusted operating hours on December 20. 

The two terminus stations will have their earliest operations on December 20, December 23 and December 26 to December 27 at 4:30am. Their latest operations will be on December 20 and December 23, with the last train departing at 10:30 p.m. and 10:45 p.m. from Dr. Santos and FPJ stations, respectively.

The regular train schedule on the LRT 1 has the first trains from Dr. Santos and FPJ stations leaving at 4:30 a.m. on weekdays and 5 a.m. on weekends.

The last train leaves Dr. Santos at 10 p.m. on weekdays, and 9:30 p.m. on weekends.

The last train from FPJ station leaves at 10:15 p.m. on weekdays, and 9:45 p.m. on weekends.

Commuter needs, maintenance

“At present, MRT and LRT operating hours are designed to strike a balance between commuter needs and system maintenance,” the DOTr said.

“Maintenance crews work during non-operating hours to inspect tracks, repair train components, and address technical issues that could disrupt service if left unattended,” it said.

The Transportation Department said that reducing or eliminating the maintenance window “could expose passengers to heightened risks of service delays or safety concerns.”

The DOTr, nonetheless, said it has reaffirmed its commitment to exploring alternative measures to improve commuter experience. 

“These include increasing the number of operational trains, optimizing headways, and streamlining passenger flow at stations. Recent upgrades, such as new train units and advanced signaling systems, are part of these ongoing efforts,” it said.

“We appreciate and understand the public’s desire for extended service hours, especially for those with late-night schedules. However, public safety and system integrity will always be our top priorities. Our goal is to avoid breakdowns and ensure that trains operate at peak efficiency during regular service hours,” it added.

The DOTr said it remained open to consultations with commuter groups and stakeholders on potential solutions that prioritize both passenger convenience and system safety. 

The Transportation Department called for public understanding and support as it works toward long-term improvements in the country's rail systems.

“The DOTr continues to explore other safe, efficient, and reliable means of alternative modes of transportation such as the EDSA bus carousel and jeepneys that are available on a 24-hour basis,” it said. —NB, GMA Integrated News