DOTr starts deploying China-made trains along MRT-3

October 27, 2018

One train set consisting of three coaches were deployed along the MRT-3 line, with Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade and other key officials, as passengers on Saturday.

This is the first use of the 48 coaches bought from CRRC Dalian Co. at a cost of P3.8 billion four years. Problems with the size and weight of the trains plus the apparent incompatibility with the MRT-3 system caused the delay.

A group of independent experts cleared the use of the Chinese trains this year, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said.

"The trains will be used during non-revenue or off-peak hours until this is included in the system," said Transportation Undersecretary Timothy John Batan said in a press conference showed on Facebook live.

But Tugade, said Batan, reminded DOTr officials not to rush. " We were reminded by Secretary Tugade not to rush ( using the trains) so we do not compromise the process and safety of the coaches we deploy."

There are 16 light rail vehicles, consisting of three coaches each, totalling 48.

Batan said Sumitomo and Mitsubishi Heavy, which built and operated the MRT-3 system 20 years ago until its contract was not renewed during the Aquino administration, will be coming in next month reassume control.

The MRT-3 is being run by experts from MRT, Light Rail Transit, Philippine National Railways and other agencies for nearly a year since DOTr ended the contract of Busan with one year left in the deal. DMS