Dalian trains finally running at MRT-3 after 9 years
MANILA, Philippines — The long-inoperative Dalian trains became operational on Tuesday, August 26.
According to the Department of Transportation (DOTr), four train coaches are now plying the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) 3 line.
The DOTr said the train coaches had passed safety checks conducted by authorities.
“Dahil sa pang-apat na bagon, mababawasan pa ang pila ng mga pasahero dahil madadagdagan ng 500 ang kapasidad ng bawat Dalian train set, na bumibiyahe tuwing rush hour o 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. at 5 p.m. to 7 p.m,” the DOTr said in a statement.
(Thanks to the fourth train car, passenger queues will be shorter, as the capacity of each Dalian train set, which runs during rush hour from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., will increase by 500.)
The government procured 48 light rail vehicles in 2014 for P3.76 billion from China’s CCRC Dalian Co., but these were initially unused due to weight and compatibility issues.
The trains were specifically heavier than what the tracks could support, raising concerns over higher maintenance costs and possible damage to railway infrastructure.
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