DOTr orders train operators to speed up repairs during glitches

MANILA — Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon said he has ordered major train operators in Metro Manila to speed up their response time to system glitches.

Earlier this week, both the MRT-3 and LRT-1 experienced electrical issues that led to disruptions in their operations.

It took the Light Rail Manila Corporation, which runs the LRT-1, nearly 10 hours to address the problem. As a result, many commuters arrived late to school or going to work.

“Ang sabi ko sa lahat ng operators ng tatlong linya, kailangan mabilis ang pagresponde, mabilis ang pag-repair para minimal ang disruption. Hindi kamukha nung isang araw, 10 oras. Kailangan talaga mas maiksi doon. Kawawa naman yung mga kababayan natin,” said Dizon.

SYSTEM UPGRADES?

He acknowledged that the country’s train systems need upgrading, but he said that will take time to implement.

“Mag-iisip na tayo ng mga upgrade pero siyempre ie-estimate natin yung gastos nyan. Hindi birong magpalit ng catenary wire system to third rail so kailangan pag-aralan nating mabuti yan,” he added.

But he noted that the MRT-7, which is currently being constructed, will already be powered by a third rail system.

“Hindi na catenary wire yung sistema nun, hindi na overhead. Nakatago na, nasa ibaba na yung electrical source… Mas safe yun, hindi prone na tatamaan (lalo) pag umuulan, kumikidlat,” he said.