MRT-3 now runs up to 50 KPH

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has announced a successful increase in the MRT-3’s operating speed to 50 kph.

With the new policy, the waiting time interval between will now be reduced to only 4 to 5 minutes (20 trains at 50kph) from 8 to 9.5 minutes (20 trains at 30kph). Previously, the trains ran with a maximum speed of only 30 kph. This means that traveling from North Avenue station to Taft Avenue station will be 10 minutes faster at just 1 hour and 5 minutes. Before, commuters need to endure 1 hour and 15 minutes of travel time between the mentioned stations.

According to the MRT-3 management, this is the outcome of installing the new long-welded rails (LWRs) in all the MRT-3 stations as part of the rail line’s rehabilitation program implemented by Sumitomo-Mitsubishi Heavy Industries from Japan.

The management has been gradually increasing the train speed, as part of its goal to improve the MRT-3’s speed. By December 2020, MRT-3 trains aim to run with a maximum speed of 60 kph.

To guarantee that trains are safe and secured for travel,  the MRT-3 management is doing regular system checks to test the new tracks’ alignment, the Overhead Catenary System (OCS), and signaling and communications.