MRT3 ridership up by 30% amid Alert Level 1, fuel price hikes —official

The daily ridership in Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT3) has increased by 30% after the National Capital Region shifted to Alert Level 1 and the prices of fuel went up, an official said Tuesday.

Interviewed on Dobol B TV, MRT3 director for operations Engr. Mike Capati said the number of passengers increased by 30% in March compared to February.

"Actually, tama kayo 'no. Kung ico-compare mo yung March to February natin, nag-increase kami ng 30% sa ridership (Actually, you are right. If we compare our passengers in March from February, the ridership increased by 30%)," Capati said.

Under Alert Level 1, which took effect in NCR and 38 other areas on March 1, Capati said they recorded the highest number of passengers on Monday at around 248,000.

According to Capati, the usual number of passengers in February was around 180,000 to 190,000.

Capati said the spike in ridership was due to the combination of the shift of Metro Manila to Alert Level 1  and the high prices of fuel, which forced some private vehicle owners to use public transport.

Amid the increase of passengers, he said they are strictly enforcing the wearing of face masks as well as prohibition from eating and talking among passengers to avoid the spread of COVID-19.

With Alert Level 1 set to expire on Tuesday, March 15, mayors in the NCR are set to recommend a shift to "Alert Level 0," according to Metropolitan Manila Development Authority General Manager Frisco San Juan Jr.

Oil firms implemented a major price hike on Tuesday, marking the 11th straight week of increases with domestic pump prices already hitting P84.55 per liter in select areas across the country.

Some fuel companies raised the prices per liter of gasoline by P7.10, diesel by P13.15, and kerosene by P10.50 effective March 15. —KBK, GMA News