Mist nozzles, covered walkway offer partial relief for MRT riders

While a long-term solution to their woes is still some time away, commuters taking the Metro Rail Transit (MRT-3) can now get some partial relief from their daily inconveniences with mist nozzles and the use of covered walkways in some stations.

 

At the North Avenue station in Quezon City, the MRT allowed southbound passengers to queue at the covered walkway of the northbound platform, GMA News' Rhea Santos reported.

 

In a post on her Instagram account, Santos said commuters who had bought tickets can use the northbound platform, which offers protection from the heat and rain.

 

"Di na kailangang maabutan ng ulan o init ng araw sa labas dahil maaari ng pumila sa covered walkways ng istasyon," Santos said.

 

For the past several weeks, commuters taking the MRT have had to endure long lines under the heat and rain just to get a ticket to ride the MRT.

 

Also, the MRT has installed mist nozzles to keep commuters cool while they wait for a chance to get an MRT ride.

 

GMA News' Jay Sabale also posted photos of the mist nozzles in action at the North Avenue station.

Temperature cooling system in MRT North Ave. Station. Nozzle sprays mist in the station. pic.twitter.com/ZBecRIJq1J

— Jay Sabale (@jay2dfour) September 8, 2014

 

The Department of Transportation and Communications earlier said long-term relief may have to wait until at least next September, when additional MRT coaches arrive.

 

The MRT links North Avenue in Quezon City to Taft Avenue in Pasay City via Epifanio delos Santos Avenue.

 

But in past months, the MRT has been plagued by glitches ranging from trains running with open doors to overshooting a safety barrier. —Joel Locsin/KG, GMA News