Glitch disrupts MRT operations

MANILA, Philippines - A “minor” electrical glitch at a control train of the EDSA-bound Metro Rail Transit (MRT) caused a 30-minute disruption in rail line operations yesterday afternoon, just after the rail line was overhauled during the Holy Week break.

Spokesman Hernando Cabrera said the glitch struck the control panel of a southbound train at around 12:52 p.m., when “the light that is supposed to indicate that the parking brake was engaged was on but the train was running full speed.”

While the glitch was minor, Cabrera said their technical personnel decided to halt operations to address the problem. The MRT resumed operations at around 1:28 p.m.

The MRT, as well as the Light Rail Transit Lines 1 and 2, were subjected to an annual overhaul during the Holy Week break. However, Cabrera said that the overhaul did not really look into the train electrical systems, saying it was more of a check and repair on the signaling systems, rails, catenary wires, and power supply.

“The trains are checked daily,” he added.