DOTr increases MRT-3 trains, speed amid GCQ

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is increasing the number of operational trains and their speed on the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) to manage reduced passenger capacity during the General Community Quarantine (GCQ).

Starting June 1, the MRT-3 will deploy 19 train sets, an increase from the previous 15, to boost the number of trips and ridership.

The operating speed of trains will increase to 40 kilometers per hour on specific sections of the MRT-3 mainline, reducing the headway between trains from an average of nine minutes to six minutes.

These improvements are attributed to accelerated rail replacement works conducted during the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) and the agreement to deploy three Dalian train sets.

Despite the increased train operations, the MRT-3's passenger capacity will be significantly reduced to 153 passengers per train set due to one-meter social distancing requirements.

The MRT-3 aims to complete its rail replacement works by September 2020, ahead of schedule, which will further increase train operating speed to 60 kph and reduce headway to 3.5 minutes by December 2020.

Separately, the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) is preparing for the resumption of domestic flights under GCQ, though specific routes and approvals are still pending.

Cebu Pacific will resume a limited number of domestic flights starting June 2, operating primarily from NAIA Terminal 3, while international flights remain suspended until June 30.

The DOTr, LTFRB, and MMDA conducted an operational dry run for public transport, including plans for median bus lanes and bike lanes along EDSA.