DOTC sees launch of new MRT3 train by April

Chrisee Dela Paz

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DOTC sees launch of new MRT3 train by April
The new train is part of the MRT3 expansion project, set to be completed in January 2017

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) targets to add a new train to the existing Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT3) by April.

This was after the DOTC received two new light rail vehicles (LRVs) or coaches from Dalian, China on Friday, February 19, allowing it to complete assembly works this weekend. 

These new MRT3 coaches will complete the first train set that the DOTC plans to launch by April.

DOTC Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya earlier said that 48 new coaches will be completed by January 2017.

EXPANSION NEEDED. The current MRT3 line carries around 600,000 passengers every day, nearly twice its daily load limit of 350,000. Photo from DOTC

The 48 new coaches are part of the MRT3 expansion project, which aims to decongest the railway system and increase its capacity to be able to serve over 800,000 passengers daily.

The current train line carries around 600,000 passengers every day, nearly twice its daily load limit of 350,000.

The MRT3 has been the subject of several Senate hearings after one of its trains derailed in August 2014. 

Since then, the MRT3 has suffered breakdowns and technical glitches due to its broken rails and signalling systems.

The working timeline for testing of the LRVs is as follows:

 

LRV #2

LRVs #3 & #4

End-February 2016

Completion of dynamic testing

Completion of assembly

Start of static testing

Early March 2016

 

Completion of static testing

Start of dynamic testing

Start of 1,000-km run

Mid-March 2016

 

Completion of dynamic testing

Completion of 1,000-km run

End-March 2016

Completion of 5,000-km run

 

 

Chinese firm Dalian Locomotive won the P3.76 billion contract for the acquisition of 48 LRVs for the MRT3. – Rappler.com

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