Extension of MRT-3 operating hours possible next week 鈥� Dizon
Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon makes an unannounced inspection of the MRT-3 on Monday (March 17, 2025). (Photo from DOTr’s Facebook page)
MANILA, Philippines — The extension of night operations of Metro Rail Transit-3 (MRT-3) services will be possible by next week, according to Department of Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon on Wednesday.
Dizon on Monday directed the MRT-3 to extend its night service by at least one hour, following his inspection of several MRT-3 stations.
He emphasized that so many Filipino employees, like business process outsourcing workers, do not work during the standard time of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
READ: DOTr bets on MRT 3, busway to ease traffic with Edsa rehab
“Ang hirap naman kung wala silang masasakyan kasi kahit ngayong gabing gabi, may traffic pa rin po sa Edsa [Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue]. So, mas mabuti pong mag-extend na tayo ng oras,” Dizon said in an interview with Radyo 630.
(It is quite a difficult situation if they don’t have any means of transportation because even nowadays when it is already very late at night, there is still heavy traffic in Edsa. So, it is better if we extend the hours.)
“Mukhang magagawa na yan by next week,” he announced.
(It seems that that can be done by next week.)
“At yung dagdag na bagon ay mukhang madadagdagan din po by next week,” he noted.
(And those train wagons, more will also be added next week.)
This picture taken in February 2018 shows long, long lines of commuters forming at the MRT-3 North Avenue station as a result of frequent breakdowns in the train operations. (File photo by JAM STA. ROSA / Philippine Daily Inquirer)
The last train for MRT-3 North Avenue station (northbound) leaves at 9:30 p.m. on weekdays, holidays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Meanwhile, the last train for Taft Avenue station (southbound) departs at 10:11 p.m. on weekdays; 10:08 p.m. on Saturdays; and 10:09 p.m. on Sundays and holidays.
Dizon said they will study if they can adjust the morning operations of the train stations by 30 minutes earlier.
As it is, he believes that extending operations is quite necessary at night.
“Kailangan ng maintenance operator ng oras sa gabi at madaling araw para i-maintain yung mga tren na yan. Kailangan din nila ng 5 to 6 hours para mag-maintain,” he explained.
(The maintenance operator needs time in the evening and early morning to maintain the trains. The operator also needs 5 to 6 hours for maintenance.)
After making unannounced inspections, the transportation secretary noticed the lack of hygiene in some MRT stations.
These places also do not have proper lighting.
Meanwhile, Dizon recently relieved MRT-3 General Manager Oscar Bongon from his post, emphasizing that immediate response to problems is necessary for the job.
Dizon recalled an incident where an escalator in MRT-3 Taft Station malfunctioned last March 8, but it was only repaired last Tuesday.
READ: Dizon sacks MRT 3 general manager: ‘We need people who act really fast’
No replacement has been officially announced yet by the Palace.
