More Trains, Fewer Passengers: MRT-3 to Operate at 13% Capacity During GCQ

We’re all on our toes waiting for tomorrow’s turnout. June 1 marks the first day of Metro Manila under general community quarantine (GCQ), and the suspension of public transportation will finally be lifted. For those who frequent the MRT, here’s a heads up: There will be more MRT-3 trains, and they’ll operate at a faster speed, too. 

According to Rappler, the Department of Transportation announced that from 15 train sets, pre-ECQ, there will now be 19 train sets. 

However, given social distancing measures, trains can only operate at 13%, resulting in a new capacity of 153 passengers. Prior to ECQ, train sets originally accommodate 1,182 persons. 

Aside from that, these train sets will also go at a faster speed, reducing the time between trains from 9 minutes to 6 minutes. Trains will now run at 40km/hour, as compared to 30km/hour pre-ECQ. 

Now that fewer passengers are allowed inside the MRT, would that mean longer lines and waiting time? We’ll have to wait and see. 

Public transportation has been suspended since community quarantine was implemented last March 15, with modified community quarantine taking place last May 16.

According to Inquirer, buses passing through EDSA will augment the MRT-3’s reduced capacity. These buses will operate at 50%. Plans for a bike lane along EDSA are also underway.