New MRT3 prototype train car to arrive in August

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine government gave China-based Dalian Locomotive the go signal to ship new Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT3) prototype train car on July 29.

The prototype train car for MRT3 is then expected to arrive at the Port of Manila within August 10 to August 14.

This will result in lesser maintenance requirement in the future, the transportation and  communications department (DOTC) said in a statement.

As of Thursday, July 23, the department’s project implementation team is going through a checklist with Dalian Locomotive to ensure the train car is compliant with technical components of MRT3’s coaches.

“After the prototype’s arrival in the middle of next month, it will be assembled by the manufacturer’s personnel, and we will start static testing by September,” Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya said.

The department also approved in June the delivery of 48 new train cars starting the first quarter of 2016.

“This brings us another step closer to upgrading and modernizing the MRT3, and improving our services to the public,” Abaya said.

P30B for new LRT1 trains

The Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT1) is also set to acquire 30, 4-car trains or 120 coaches as part of the LRT1 Cavite extension project, which will extend the current line from Baclaran, Parañaque to Niog in Bacoor, Cavite. 

The government has set aside P30 billion ($661.37 million) for the new train cars, which will be bid out later this year. 

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Railways (PNR) resumed operations starting July 23, after its derailment in April and the rehabilitation works that followed. 

Rail safety concerns identified by third-party consultant TÜV Rheinland have been satisfactorily addressed, leading to the transportation department’s approval of the resumption of PNR’s operations. 

However, only the commuter service from Tutuban to Alabang will run in the meantime as further works are still being implemented in other sections of the tracks. – Rappler.com

$1 = P45.36