The Metro Rail Transit (MRT)- 3 deployed on Monday, March 28, a four-car CKD train set at the start of a month-long free ride in celebration of its full rehabilitation.
In a statement, MRT-3 OIC-General Manager and Director for Operations Michael J. Capati said it was the first time that they deployed a four-car train set and it started at 7 a.m. on Monday during the morning peak hour of the line's operation.
"Another 4-car train is set to run later at the afternoon peak hours, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. The deployment of trains with four cars each set helps augment the line's capacity, as they can carry up to a total of 1,576 passengers per train set," said Capati.
Each train car of a CKD train set can load up to 394 passengers.
The fully-rehabilitated MRT-3 can now deploy 18-22 trains during peak hours. Prior to the rehabilitation, the maximum train deployment was at 15.
Capati said they expect more trains to be deployed as the overhauling of all its 72 trains is going on smoothly. So far, 48 of the 72 trains were already overhauled.
"The MRT-3 recorded the all-time lowest number of operational trains on 24 May 2015, when it was able to deploy only six (6) running train sets on the mainline due to poor maintenance of its previous provider. Today, passengers enjoy cooler, aside from faster, MRT-3 rides as all train cars have also been installed with new and 100% functioning air conditioning units," said Capati.
Earlier, President Duterte has ordered a free ride for the MRT-3 line, from North Avenue Station in Quezon City to Taft Avenue Station in Pasay City, to celebrate the full rehabilitation. It started on Monday, March 28, until April 30.