IN PHOTOS: MRT prototype train cars to be shipped next week

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) — A team from the  Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) is now in Dalian, China to make a final check on the prototype train car for the Metro Rail Transit 3 (MRT-3), an official said. 

Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio  "Jun " Abaya said the project implementation team will also give the go-signal for the shipment on July 29.

"After the prototype's arrival in the middle of next month, it will be assembled by the manufacturer's personnel, and we will start static testing by September," Abaya said.

The project implementation team is currently going through a checklist with Dalian Locomotive to ensure that the prototype train is compliant with the technical components and specifications of the train coaches, he added.

With shipment scheduled to push through on July 29, the prototype is expected and to arrive at the Port of Manila within the week of August 10 and August 14.

After assembly and static testing of the unit's components such as the doors, seats, poles, and hand straps, dynamic testing will be conducted in mid-November.

Aside from the MRT-3, the DOTC said the Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line 1 will also acquire 30 4-car trains as part of the Cavite Extension Project, which will extend the current line from Baclaran to Niog in Bacoor, Cavite.

The government has set aside P30 billion for this project, which will be bid out later this year, the DOTC added.

During their last visit last June, the team approved Dalian Locomotive's choice of better traction motors which incorporate alternating current (AC) technology for the 48 brand new train cars that will be delivered starting in the first quarter of 2016.

This will result in lesser maintenance requirements in the future, the DOTC said.