DoTr: Cracks in 2 MRT-3 stations 'no cause for alarm'

The cracks found in two stations of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) following the 6.3 magnitude earthquake that struck Calatagan, Batangas and felt in parts of Metro Manila are “no cause for alarm,” the Department of Transportation (DoTr) said Thursday.

DoTr Assistant Secretary for Railways Jorjette Aquino made the remarks after an inspection in all MRT-3 stations found there was no damage detected on the tracks, signaling equipment, and station facilities of the train system.

Aquino also said the cracks in Boni Station and Ayala Station will not pose any danger to the riding public and the train operations.

“As a safety protocol, since cracks were observed, I directed the MRT-3 operations, maintenance, and engineering personnel together with Oriental Consultants Global, the MRT-3's consultant, to conduct an in-depth inspection,” she said.

Train operations at the MRT-3, Light Rail Transit-1 (LRT-1), LRT-2, and Philippine National Railways were suspended earlier following the tremor.  MRT-3 resumed operations an hour after the quake.—Sundy Locus/LDF, GMA Integrated News