Palace to MRT passengers: Try other modes of transportation

Following problems being encountered by the Metro Rail Transit (MRT), Malacañang on Thursday urged commuters to try other modes of transportation.

Or at least until the new coaches arrive.

"Yung MRT lang ba ang puwedeng sakyan doon sa mga rutang dinadaanan nito? Baka naman puwedeng matuklasan yung iba pang mga options," Presidential Communications Operations Office head Herminio Coloma Jr. said during a press briefing.

He specifically encouraged commuters to try riding passenger buses, thousands of which supposedly traverse EDSA daily.

"Hindi naman siksikan yung mga bus na 'yun," he said.

"Siyempre may advantages yung MRT in terms of economy and efficiency, dahil nga walang traffic kapag nakasakay ka na. Pero siguro panahon na para tingnan din yung ibang mga opsyon habang hinihintay natin yung pagdating ng mga bagong bagon ng MRT," he added.

According to MRT 3 general manager Al Vitangcol, the MRT carries 560,000 passengers on average per day, much higher than its original design capacity, which Vitangcol pegged at 320,000 passengers per day. Passengers have been complaining about the long queues at stations.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte had earlier said the new coaches will arrive in February 2015. — Kimberly Jane Tan/BM, GMA News