MRT3 to deploy 19 train sets under GCQ

Nineteen train sets will be deployed on the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT3) when operations resume on Monday, in line with the shift to a general community quarantine (GCQ) in Metro Manila.

In a statement on Sunday, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said these will include three sets from Dalian.

"Ang gagamitin na tren sa Lunes ay hindi na 14 o 15. Ang gagamitin ay 19 na tren," said Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade.

"Sa ganitong pamamaraan, madadagdagan ang biyahe at madadagdagan ang mga mananakay bagamat limited capacity," he added.

The DOTr earlier said only 160 passengers will be allowed per train set to comply with physical distancing protocols against the spread of the coronavirus.

In the same statement, the department said commuters can expect a speed of 40 kilometers per hour, and an average headway of 6 minutes.

This compares to the average speed of 30 kilometers per hour and an average headway of 9 minutes prior to the enhanced community quarantine.

"Having more trains, faster operating speed, and lower headway are intended to contribute in mitigating the reduction in capacity of MRT-3 which will only be able to accommodate 153 passengers per train set, or 13% of its pre-ECQ capacity of 1,182 passengers per train set, due to implementation of 1-meter social distancing inside trains," said MRT3 director for operations Michael Capati.

For his part, Transportation Undersecretary for Railways Timothy John "TJ" Batan said rail replacement works are expected to be completed ahead of the February 2021 target.

"Rail replacement works are expected to be completed by September 2020, several months ahead of its February 2021 target completion date," he said. — Jon Viktor D. Cabuenas/BM, GMA News