Crack on rail track stops MRT-3

MANILA, Philippines - A crack on the rail track of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 caused a stoppage of trips, resulting in long queues of commuters at the North Avenue station yesterday morning.

The broken track was found on the northbound lane between Ortigas and Santolan stations, MRT-3 officer-in-charge Renato San Jose said.

San Jose said the crack was found at 5:47 a.m. and immediate repair was ordered while “provisional service” was implemented. This meant stopping the commuter trains from North Avenue to Shaw Boulevard stations.

Hordes of passengers lined up at North Avenue station in the morning, waiting for the resumption of the train trips.

A “fish plate” was temporarily attached to the broken track and normal services resumed 6:37 a.m., San Jose said.

He said the broken track was scheduled for replacement.

Last week, authorities also found a crack on the track after Boni Avenue Station.

Last week’s incident caused trains to move only from North Avenue to Shaw Boulevard station and back. From Shaw Boulevard to Taft Avenue station and back, there was no train service as repairs were conducted.

After hearing about yet another breakdown of the MRT-3, Sen. Nancy Binay called on the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) to provide a clearer picture on the state of the mass transport system. – With Marvin Sy