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Manila Bulletin devider Business devider Trade & Industry devider Dalian train returns to MRT-3 on Christmas Day

Dalian train returns to MRT-3 on Christmas Day

Published Dec 25, 2025 02:35 pm
(Manila Bulletin file photo)
(Manila Bulletin file photo)
A single China-made Dalian train returned to service on Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) on Christmas Day to provide additional capacity for passengers during the busy holiday season, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said.
Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said the additional train set is pivotal in easing the commuting experience of passengers, especially those doing last-minute holiday shopping.
“Definitely, the deployment of an additional train set is a big deal, especially since they have large capacity,” Lopez said in a statement.
“They can accommodate many passengers, allowing them to reach their destinations faster, especially today on Christmas Day,” he added.
Lopez said significantly more commuters are expected on Thursday, Dec. 25, since it coincides with the final day of the DOTr’s free ride program, under which all passengers may ride the train for free.
According to the DOTr, a single Dalian train set can serve up to 1,156 commuter passengers per trip.
Lopez added that the train set underwent strict safety checks and operational procedures before being cleared for passenger service.
This initial deployment is poised to be a teaser for the DOTr as it prepares to field all 48 Dalian train sets on MRT-3 next year.
At least 12 train sets are planned to be operational in the first quarter, according to MRT-3 General Manager Michael Capati.
The government purchased the train sets in 2014 through a ₱3.8-billion contract with Chinese train manufacturer CRRC Dalian Co., formerly known as Dalian Locomotive and Rolling Stock Co., in an effort to increase MRT-3’s passenger capacity.
Despite all the trains having been delivered by 2017, they remained largely idle for nearly a decade due to compatibility issues with the rail line.
The DOTr previously said that CRRC Dalian has since adjusted the trains to address these issues at no cost to the government.
The full deployment of the 48 Dalian train sets is expected to decongest the capital region’s busiest railway, which averages about 380,000 passengers per day.
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