MRT3 now going at 50-kph speed

The Metro Rail Transit - Line 3 (MRT 3) has increased its speed and was going at 50 kph on Tuesday morning, according to a report by James Agustin on GMA News' Unang Balita.

This has resulted in four to five minutes headway, which is faster than the six to 6.5 minutes headway recorded in October.

MRT3 MRT3 Director for Operations Michael Capati said they increased the speed of MRT3 starting Monday.

They will observe the train operations to see if they can still improve the headway.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said the increase in trains’ speed will effectively reduce the waiting time for passengers or the time between trains from the previous 8 to 9.5 minutes with 20 trains at 30 kph to only 4 to 5 minutes with 20 trains at 50 kph.

“This means that travel time from North Avenue station to Taft Avenue station will likewise be lessened from 1 hour and 15 minutes to just 1 hour and 5 minutes,” the DOTr said.

The DOTr noted that the improvement in train speed is a result of the installation of the new long-welded rails (LWRs) in all the MRT3 stations as part of the massive rehabilitation program of the rail line, which is being implemented by Sumitomo-Mitsubishi Heavy Industries from Japan.

“With the increased operating speed, MRT-3 passengers can now expect faster travel time, shorter waiting time for train arrivals,  and better and comfortable riding experience,” Capati said.

Passengers on Tuesday welcomed the development, saying it will ensure they will get to their destinations faster.

On Thursday last week, the MRT3 had a trial run, attempting traveling a distance of 16.7 kilometers at 50 kph using the new overhauled light rail vehicle.

“Kaya nagsa-simulation tayo ngayon kasi ang last na takbo natin ng 50 kph is sometime September 2014,” Capati said then.

The MRT3 has been gradually increasing the operating speed from 30 kph to 40 kph in October, and 50 kph in November. 

By December, train speed will further improve to 60 kph.

Every month, the MRT3 management conducts system checks to test the alignment of the new tracks, the Overhead Catenary System (OCS), and signaling and communications to ensure that trains are safe and secured while traveling along the mainline, according to the DOTr. —With a report from Ted Cordero/KG, GMA News