DOTr eyes removal of MRT X-ray scanners to ease queues

The Department of Transportation is considering the full removal of X-ray scanners in all MRT-3 stations to help decongest queues, Secretary Vince Dizon announced Monday.

“Hopefully po, sa tulong ng [Department of Information and Communications Technology], makakapagdagdag tayo ng mga security measures dito sa mga istasyon para later on completely matanggal na nating itong mga X-ray dito sa mga istasyon kasi yun talaga ang nagpapahaba ng mga pila eh,” Dizon said on Super Radyo dzBB. 

(Hopefully, with the help of the DICT, we can implement additional security measures in our stations so we can eventually eliminate the x-ray machines, which are the main cause of long lines.)

Dizon, along with DICT Secretary Henry Aguda, inspected several MRT stations on Monday morning following instructions from President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

“Pag meron tayong bagong teknolohiya sa tulong ng DICT natin eh baka ma-eliminate na natin ang lahat ng X-ray kasi nga makikita mo naman sa ibang bansa pag sumakay ka sa mga MRT, subway, metro, wala naman x-ray dun kasi nga may mga ginagamit silang teknolohiya para masigurado pa rin ‘yung seguridad ng mga bumabyahe at yung mga pasilidad,” the DOTr Secretary added. 

(With the help of DICT and new technologies, we might soon be able to do away with X-ray scanners altogether. In other countries, when you board an MRT, subway, or metro, there are no x-rays—they use advanced technologies to ensure both passenger and facility security.)

Currently, only passengers without bags are allowed to bypass X-ray inspections at MRT stations. 

To maintain security, Dizon said the DOTr has deployed additional law enforcement personnel and K-9 units across terminals.

During the inspection, Dizon noted that recent operational “improvements” have already had a positive impact. 

He cited his experience at the North EDSA station, where he entered within three minutes—much faster than before when queues often extended out to the streets.

As part of ongoing efforts to enhance commuter experience, the DOTr earlier announced that beginning April 21, MRT-3 will deploy four-car trains during peak hours to accommodate more passengers.

According to the MRT-3, three four-car train sets will operate during rush hours in the morning and afternoon, while 16 other trains will maintain the current three-car configuration. Each train car can carry up to 394 passengers, meaning a four-car train can accommodate over 1,500 commuters.

Dizon also said he is in discussions with Sumitomo, the MRT-3’s maintenance operator, regarding the potential deployment of additional train cars.

Additionally, he is coordinating with the operators of LRT Lines 1 and 2—Metro Pacific and Ayala—to explore increasing train capacity on those lines as well.

“Kausap po natin ang Metro Pacific at ang Ayala para magdagdag din po ng tren doon. So ang issue lang yata doon ay yung mga tren na mine-maintain. Kailangan lang sigurado na lahat ng tren ay maayos para makapagdagdag tayo, pero tingin ko makakapagdagdag tayo sa LRT-1 pati na rin sa LRT-2,” Dizon said.

(We’re also working with Metro Pacific and Ayala to add more trains to LRT-1 and LRT-2. The main issue appears to be the availability of properly maintained trains. Once we ensure that all units are in good condition, I believe we can increase capacity on both lines.) — DVM, GMA Integrated News