DOTr starts removing X-ray machines from MRT-3 stations

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has begun removing X-ray machines from MRT-3 stations to reduce wait times as more people are expected to use the rail service once the EDSA rehabilitation project begins on June 13. 

At Boni Station, X-ray machines were removed and replaced with metal detectors. Heavily armed Coast Guard personnel and bomb-sniffing dogs were also deployed.

The DOTr said the same measures would be implemented in other stations next week. 

“Nag-increase tayo ng visibility ng Coast Guard and other enforcement visibility na medyo kamukha sa ibang bansa. Ang mga baril malalaki, makahaba para deterrent, kasi yun ang nakita natin sa ibang bansa ginagawa,” Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon said in Joseph Morong’s exclusive report on “24 Oras” on Wednesday.

(We increased the visibility of the Coast Guard and other law enforcement similar to the practice of other countries. Their guns are big and long to act as a deterrent, because that's what we've seen implemented in other countries.)

However, a female commuter cited the importance of X-ray machines to ensure public safety. 

There are currently 20 trains on MRT-3, and three more will be added during rush hour to reduce wait times from 30 to 45 minutes to 5 to 10 minutes. 

The DOTr will also replace a sign at Boni Station that drew flak for being unreadable.

It is also pushing for MRT-3 operations to begin earlier at 4 a.m. rather than 4:30 a.m.

“Pinipilit ko pa yun sa ating maintenance operator (I’m still working on it with the maintenance operator),” Dizon said.

Last month, MRT-3 announced that it would maintain its extended weekday operations for an indefinite period after receiving positive feedback from commuters.

The last train trips during weekdays were extended by one hour—from 9:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at North Avenue Station, and from 10:09 p.m. to 11:09 p.m. at Taft Avenue Station. — Mariel Celine Serquiña/VBL, GMA Integrated News