MRT-3 prototype trains on the way

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) has given its go-signal for the shipment of prototype train cars for the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) later this month.

In a statement yesterday, the DOTC said its project implementation team is in China to conduct the final check on the prototype and approve the shipment of the train cars for MRT-3 on July 29.

The team is checking the prototype train cars of winning bidder Dalian Locomotive and Rolling Stock Co. of China, to ensure they are compliant with the technical components and specifications of the train coaches.

“This brings us another step closer to upgrading and modernizing the MRT-3, and improving our services to the public,” DOTC Secretary Joseph Abaya said.

After the prototype’s arrival in the middle of next month, he said they would be assembled by the manufacturer’s personnel and static testing would start by September.

Dalian Locomotive was awarded the MRT-3 capacity expansion project which involves the acquisition of 48 new trains to ease the suffering of train riders with the MRT-3 carrying close to 600,000 passengers per day, almost double its designed capacity of 350,000.

With the go-signal given for the shipment to push through on July 29, the prototype train cars should be in the country within the week of Aug. 10 to 14.

The 48 new trains meanwhile, will be delivered in the first quarter of next year.

The new trains will be equipped with alternating current technology instead of the direct current system being used to provide better traction and lesser maintenance problems in the future.

Aside from the MRT-3, the Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line 1 will also acquire 30 four-car trains or 120 coaches as part of the Cavite Extension project, which will extend the current line from Baclaran to Niog in Bacoor, Cavite.

The acquisition of the new trains for LRT Line 1 will be bid out later this year.

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Railways (PNR) resumed operations from Tutuban to Alabang yesterday.

This, after rail safety concerns identified by third-party consultant TUV Rheinland have been addressed.