Metro Rail Transit extends services

The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) has extended the operations of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) by 30 minutes to accommodate those who stay out late this Christmas season.

Mario Miranda, DOTC project manager for MRT, said that until January, the last trip of MRT bound to Taft Avenue station in Pasay City would leave North Triangle station in Quezon City at 9:58 p.m.

"On the other hand, the last trip for North Triangle — will depart Taft Avenue at 10:30 p.m. This is 30 minutes longer than our usual operation schedule," he noted.

Miranda added that commuters usually stay out late for shopping and parties during Christmas season so the DOTC has decided to extend the operations of MRT.

"We are making this adjustment to fulfill our mandate to serve the Filipino people. This is our way of assisting those who wish to take the MRT at times when all they want is to reach home faster and conveniently," he said.

Miranda added that the ridership of MRT has increased since the Yuletide season started.

"Our biggest ridership was last Dec. 14 when we recorded 390,000 passengers that day. On average, we serve around 350,000 passengers everyday," he maintained.

The EDSA-based MRT is part of the mass rail projects that the government is putting up in Metro Manila to provide people with alternative means of transportation.

Under the master plan, MRT will be interconnected with the existing Light Rail Transit (LRT-1) and LRT-2 which is now under construction. — Sheila Crisostomo