MRT-3 increases speed to 50 km / h as new ‘long welded rails’ improve performance

MANILA – The Department of Transportation said Tuesday that the Metro Rail Transit or MRT-3 can now run at 50 kilometers per hour thanks to a “massive rehabilitation program” of its rail line.

This means that travel time from the North Avenue Station to the Taft Avenue Station will improve by 10 minutes to 1 hour and 5 minutes, from 1 hour and 15 minutes, DOTr said.

At 50 km / h, the time between 20 trains will also improve to just 4-5 minutes from the previous 8 to 9.5 minutes at 30 km / h.

The last time the MRT-3 was able to run at 50 km / h was in September 2014, he added.

“With increased operational speed, MRT-3 passengers can now expect faster travel time, shorter wait time for train arrivals, and a better and more comfortable driving experience,” said the Director of MRT-3 Operations, Michael Capati.

The improvement in train speed is the result of the installation of the new long welded rails at all MRT-3 stations, as part of the Japan-led massive rehabilitation program of the Sumitomo-Mitsubishi Heavy Industries railway line.

The MRT-3 has been gradually increasing the operating speed from 30 km / h to 40 km / h in October and 50 km / h in November.

It is expected to improve further to 60 km / h in December.