Marcos announces operational Dalian trains for MRT-3

President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. announced Wednesday that some idle Dalian train coaches procured in 2014 are now operational during a launch event for discounted senior citizen and PWD train fares.

The president highlighted that the unused trains, purchased to expand MRT-3 capacity under former President Benigno Aquino's term, were brought back into service after compatibility issues were resolved at no cost by their Chinese manufacturer CCRC Dalian Co.

Three sets of three-car trains have been deployed on Wednesday morning following safety checks and compliance procedures with Japan's Sumitomo Corporation, MRT-3's current maintenance provider.

The DOTr aims to deploy the remaining 48 Dalian trains in coming months, each capable of carrying up to 1,200 passengers, which will reduce train intervals from 4 minutes to 2.5 minutes.

Once fully deployed, these trains will improve daily commutes and promote efficient public transport as part of a broader program to modernize the country's railway system.