Effective today, the Metrostar Express will temporarily be operational only from 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) said.
DOTC Undersecretary Carlos Borromeo noted the change in Metrostar's schedule was to give way to the completion and testing of additional safety and signaling systems of the elevated train.
But observers expressed doubt on the intention as it will be implemented three days before Metrostar fares are temporarily reduced from the old P17 to P34 to the new P12 to P20 rates.
Observers believe the move is aimed at cutting the operational cost of the rail system.
The 16.8-kilometer Metrostar used to be in service from its depot in North Triangle in Quezon City to Buendia Avenue station in Makati City from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Borromeo assured the public that the original schedule will be restored in "a few weeks time." The fare cut, called by DOTC a "Pre-completion" discount, will be in effect until June when the entire Metrostar system up to Taft Avenue in Pasay City will be operational.
"We are giving this discount in response to comments that the public is made to pay in full for the use of a facility that is not yet complete," Borromeo said.
DOTC has been raking in criticisms for the high fares of Metrostar and its inaccessible stations.