DOTr: MRT-3 records highest ridership since June 2020

The Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) on Monday serviced 370,276 passengers–its highest passenger turnout since the resumption of its operations in June 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said in a Facebook post.

In its Tuesday post, the DOTr credited the feat to the government's current free ride program and the increased number of running trains.

“Ito ay resulta ng pagpapatupad ng LIBRENG SAKAY sa MRT-3 at pagpapatakbo ng mas maraming train sets, na binubuo ng nasa 14 hanggang 16 3-car CKD train sets, at apat na 4-car CKD train sets sa mainline tuwing operational hours,” the agency said.

(This is a result of the implementation of the MRT-3’s free rides and the operation of more train sets, consisting of 14 to 16 3-car CKD train sets, and four 4-car CKD train sets on the mainline during operational hours.)

The DOTr explained that each train car could accommodate 394 passengers. A 3-car CKD train set could thus carry about 1,182 passengers, while 1,576 passengers could ride a 4-car CKD train set.

Before the pandemic, between 250,000 to 300,000 passengers were able to ride the MRT-3 daily.

The MRT-3 resumed its operations on June 1, 2022 when Metro Manila eased into a general community quarantine. Back then, only 160 passengers per train, or 20% of its total capacity, were allowed per trip.

The DOTr further reported that MRT-3 trains had been running at increased speeds of 60 kilometers per hour since December 7, 2020, which reduced the average wait time between trains to 3.5 to 4 minutes from the previous 8.5 to 9 minutes.

The railway line extended its offer of free rides to passengers until June 30. The free rides were available any time during the line’s operating hours from 4:40 a.m. to 10:10 p.m.

The free rides were initially implemented from March 28 to April 30 in celebration of the completion of the MRT3’s rehabilitation. — DVM, GMA News