Manila Metro Rail Transit System
Encyclopedia
The Metro Rail Transit is Metro Manila
's third rapid transit line. It forms part of the Strong Republic Transit System
, which includes the Manila Light Rail Transit System
. The line operates under the name Metrostar Express and is colored blue on rail maps.
The line is located along the Epifanio de los Santos Avenue
(EDSA), one of Metro Manila's main thoroughfares. It has thirteen stations along its 16.95km track which passes through the cities of Makati, Mandaluyong, Pasay, Quezon City, and San Juan. While originally intended to decongest EDSA, the MRT-3 has been only partially successful in decongesting EDSA, and congestion is further aggravated by the rising number of motor vehicles. The expansion of the system to cover the entire stretch of EDSA is expected to contribute to current attempts to decongest the thoroughfare and to cut travel times.
Opened in 1999, the MRT-3 is operated by the Metro Rail Transit Corporation
(MRTC), a private company operating in partnership with the Department of Transportation and Communications
(DOTC) under a Build-Operate-Transfer
(BOT) agreement. Although it has characteristics of light rail
, such as the type of rolling stock
used, it is more akin to a rapid transit
system.
The single line serves 13 stations on 16.95 kilometres (10.5 mi) of line. It is mostly elevated, with some sections at grade
or underground. The line commences at North Avenue
and ends at Taft Avenue
(Taft on the map), serving the cities that EDSA passes through: Quezon City
, San Juan
, Mandaluyong
, Makati
, and Pasay
.
North Avenue, Taft Avenue and Araneta Center-Cubao
are interchanges with the LRT
network, with MRT North Avenue
station connected to North Avenue
station and Taft Avenue
station connected to EDSA
station on the Yellow Line
and Araneta Center-Cubao connected to its namesake station
on the Purple Line
. The line's termini have been designated as transport hubs, where commuters can change to and from take other forms of public transport.
The MRT-3 is open from 5:30 a.m. PST
(UTC
+8) until 10:30 p.m. Last June 1, 2009, the MRT-3 experimented with a 24-hour operation. The extended hours were primarily aimed at serving call center agents and other workers in the Business Process Outsourcing sector. However, the 24/7 operations were called off after two days, citing low ridership and financial losses. The MRT management opted to extend their operations instead from 5:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. the next day. However on the summer of April 2010 (just after the Holy Week), operations have returned to its former schedule starting from 5:30am to 10:30 p.m.
Special schedules are announced via the PA system in every station and also in newspaper
s and other mass media
. It is open every day of the year except when announced, and during Holy Week
, when it is closed for annual maintenance, owing to fewer commuters and lower levels of traffic congestion on EDSA. Normal operation resumes after Black Saturday
or Easter Sunday.
A metro line on EDSA was envisioned in the plan of Electrowatt Engineering Services of Zürich
during the construction of the LRT. The plan consisted of a 150 kilometre network of rapid transit lines spanning all major corridors within 20 years, including a line on EDSA.
In the 1990s, the MRTC was awarded a Build-Operate-Transfer
contract by the DOTC. The DOTC would have ownership of the system and assume all administrative functions, such as the regulation of fares and operations. The MRTC would have responsibility over construction and maintenance of the system and the procurement of spare parts for trains. In exchange, the DOTC would pay the MRTC monthly fees for a certain number of years to reimburse any incurred costs.
Construction started on September 16, 1997 after the MRTC signed an amended turnkey agreement with a consortium of companies, which included Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
and Sumitomo Corporation
, and a local company, EEI Corporation, which was subcontracted for civil works. A separate agreement was signed with ČKD
on rolling stock. MRTC also retained the services of ICF Kaiser Engineers and Constructors to provide program management and technical oversight of the services for the design, construction management and commissioning.
During construction, the MRTC oversaw the design, construction, equipping, testing, and commissioning, while the DOTC oversaw technical supervision of the project activities covered by the BOT contract between the DOTC and MRTC. The DOTC also sought the services of Systra
, a French
consultant firm, with regards to the technical competence, experience and track record in the construction and operations.
On December 15, 1999, the initial section, from North Avenue
to Buendia
, opened, followed on July 20, 2000 by the remainder, from Buendia to Taft Avenue
.
Ridership was initially far below expectations, since passengers had to climb long flights of stairs to enter a station, and fares were higher than on the LRT. Some stations have been retrofitted with escalator
s and elevator
s for easier access, and ridership has increased. By 2004 MRT-3 had the highest ridership of the three lines, with 400,000 passengers daily.
and the platform level of Taft Avenue
and Ayala
stations, all stations are above ground.
, escalator
s and elevator
s leading down to the platform level. The levels are separated by fare gates.
The concourse contains ticket booths. Some stations, such as Araneta Center-Cubao
, are connected at concourse level to nearby buildings, such as shopping malls, for easier accessibility.
Stations either have island platform
s, such as Taft Avenue
and Shaw Boulevard
, or side platform
s, such as Ortigas
and North Avenue
. Part of the platform at the front of the train is cordoned off for the use of women, children, elderly and disabled passengers. At side-platform stations passengers may need to enter the concourse area to enter the other platform or go through bridges atop some stations, while passengers can easily switch sides at stations with island platforms. Stations have toilets at the concourse level.
Most stations are barrier-free inside and outside the station, and trains have spaces for passengers using wheelchair
s.
and Shaw Boulevard.
Stations such as Taft Avenue and North Avenue are connected to or are near shopping malls and/or other large shopping areas, where commuters are offered more shopping varieties.
In cooperation with the Philippine Daily Inquirer
, passengers are offered a copy of the Inquirer Libre
, a free, tabloid-size, Tagalog
version of the Inquirer, which is available from 6 a.m. at all MRT-3 stations.
, Good Friday
, Black Saturday
and Easter Sunday. At the discretion of its operators, it is also closed during All Saints Day (November 1).
First / Last Train Service
and Tagalog
are also a common sight at MRT-3 stations and inside MRT-3 trains.
.
For safety and security reasons, persons who are visibly intoxicated, insane
and/or under the influence of controlled substances, persons carrying flammable materials and/or explosives, persons carrying bulky objects or items over 1.5 metres (5 ft) tall and/or wide, and persons bringing pets and/or other animal
s are prohibited from entering the MRT-3. Passengers are also prohibited from entering the MRT-3 if bringing products in tin can
s, citing the possibility of home-made bomb
s being concealed inside the cans.
and the September 11th attacks, security has been stepped up onboard the MRT-3. The Philippine National Police
has a special MRT police force, and security police
provided by private companies can be found in all MRT-3 stations. All MRT -3 stations have a head guard. Some stations may also have a deployed K9 bomb-sniffing dog.
The MRT-3 also employs the use of closed-circuit television
inside all stations to monitor suspicious activities and to assure safety and security aboard the line.
Passengers are also advised to look out for thieves, who can take advantage of the crowding aboard MRT-3 trains. Wanted poster
s are posted at all MRT-3 stations to help commuters identify known thieves.
(23 to 35 U.S. cents
), depending on the destination.
MRT-3 tickets come in three incarnations: one bearing the portrait of Joseph Estrada
, which have since been phased out, although some tickets have been recycled due to ticket shortages, one bearing the portrait of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
, and one bearing the logos of the DOTC
and the MRTC. In the past, the MRTC was also forced, other than recycling the old "Erap tickets", to borrow stored-value tickets from the LRTA, due to the same ticket shortages.
Because of the ticket shortages, it is now common practice for regular MRT-3 passengers to purchase several stored-value tickets at a time, since passengers would not know when or what station the tickets would be available at. Although new stored-value tickets have arrived, passengers still complain of a lack of tickets at stations. Passengers also complain of a shortage of single-journey tickets, with long lines at MRT-3 ticket booths already common and with the MRTC having to alleviate the ticket shortages through alternate means.
In July 2006, Globe Telecom
introduced the G-Pass as an alternative to entering the MRT-3. The G-Pass uses a stored-value RFID chip that is tapped on a sensor on top of the fare gates upon entry and exit from the MRT-3, instead of a ticket which is inserted through the gate's ticket slot. The chip can be reloaded with MRT-3 fare credits using G-Cash or through a G-Pass reloading booth usually located near a station's ticket counters. The product is not exclusive to Globe subscribers; however, being a Globe subscriber avoids the queues when reloading a G-Pass because you can have balance inquiry of your G-Pass by using your Globe-subscribed cellphone through sending an SMS balance inquiry to Globe (although these days, this is temporarily suspended) and also, since Globe subscribers can reload using G-Cash. A G-Pass costs 100 pesos, with 50 pesos worth of free credits upon initial purchase.
G-Passes can be purchased at all MRT-3 stations, RFID sensors for these passes have been installed at all MRT-3 stations from North Avenue to Taft Station. There are also balance inquiry machine in each of G-Pass reloading booths of every stations which are free to use. To use a G-Pass, at least 16 pesos worth of credits must remain in the chip, corresponding to the maximum MRT-3 fare of the same amount because the system deducts credits after exiting the station of your destination. The expiration of a G-Pass is 3 years compared to a stored-value ticket which is only 1 month after use. A maximum of 2000 pesos can be loaded on a G-Pass. No plans have been made whether the G-Pass will be instituted on LRT-1 and MRT-2.
, forged a partnership with MetroPass Systems to allow MRT-3 passengers to use the upcoming Smart Money PayPass card to pay for their ride. The system has not been installed yet on any MRT-3 station and no formal date has been set as to when this method of payment will be rolled-out.
Globe G-Pass and Smart Money Pay Pass was phased out last January 1, 2009.
by ČKD
(now part of Siemens AG
) in a three-car configuration. The trains are a gift from the Czech government
. Trains have a capacity of 957 passengers, which is less than the normal capacity of LRT-1 first generation rolling stock. Unlike original Yellow Line stock at the time, MRT-3 trains came with air conditioning
.
MRT-3 trains are particularly known for their use of wrap advertising
. A wide variety of advertisements can be seen on MRT-3 trains, of which some include Samsung Electronics
, Panasonic
and Epson products. Trains bearing wrap advertising are now very common aboard the MRT-3, although trains that use MRT-3's house colors are also in service in the network. The revenues generated from the advertising on MRT-3 trains are used to pay off debts incurred by the MRTC during the system's construction.
As of 2006, the Department of Transportation and Communications has sealed a deal with the city government of Vienna
to obtain 48 second-hand Vienna U-Bahn
trains as part of the MRT-3's expansion program, designed to expand the MRT's current capacity of 23,000 passengers per hour per direction (pphpd) to 48,000 pphpd. The trains are a donation from the Vienna city government. It is unclear, however, when the trains will arrive and enter service.
, near North Avenue station. On top of the depot is TriNoma
, a shopping mall owned by the Ayala Corporation
. It occupies 84,444 square meters (908,948 sq ft) of space and serves as the headquarters for light and heavy maintenance of the MRT-3, as well as the operations of the system in general. It is connected to the main MRT-3 network by a spur line.
The depot is capable of storing 81 light rail vehicles, with the option to expand to include 40 more vehicles as demand arises. They are parked on nine sets of tracks, which converge onto the spur route and later on to the main network.
in Caloocan City
. The expansion has been shelved in favor of the Yellow Line's
extension from Monumento
to a new common station that it will share with the MRT-3 at North Avenue, thus closing the loop. It is also planned that the southern terminus of the proposed MRT-7, which will link Quezon City, Caloocan (north), and San Jose del Monte City, Bulacan
will be sharing the same station.
The National Economic and Development Authority
and even President-then Arroyo herself have said that the MRT3-LRT1 link at North Avenue is a national priority, since it would not only provide seamless service between the LRT-1 and the MRT-3, but would also help decongest Metro Manila. It is estimated that by 2010, when the extension is completed, some 684,000 commuters would use the MRT-3 everyday from the present 400,000, and traffic congestion on EDSA would be cut by as much as fifty percent.
Another proposal, which is under study, by MRT-3 is to acquire 73 additional light rail vehicles to accommodate the 520,000 passenger a day requirement.
A study by the DOTC mulls at the possibility of uniting the operations of MRT-3 and LRT-1, to save in maintenance costs and to offer a complete transportation line along EDSA.
. This is due to maintenance cost issues for Line 1's maintenance cost is approximately Php 35 Million only, Line 2 is Php 25 Million only, while Line 3 has a staggering Php 100 Million maintenance cost. Another reason for this study is for the unification of the LRT 1 and the MRT 3 lines. According to DOTC Undersecretary For Rails Glicerio Sicat, the transfer is set by the government in June 2011.
As of January 13, 2011, Light Rail Transit Authority
Chief Rafael S. Rodriguez took over as officer-in-charge of MRT-3 in preparation for the integration of operations of Yellow, Purple, and Blue Lines.
Metro Manila
Metropolitan Manila , the National Capital Region , or simply Metro Manila, is the metropolitan region encompassing the City of Manila and its surrounding areas in the Philippines...
's third rapid transit line. It forms part of the Strong Republic Transit System
Strong Republic Transit System
The Strong Republic Transit System was launched to integrate the various rail lines providing public transport in Manila in the Philippines. The program was initiated by former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on June 14, 2003...
, which includes the Manila Light Rail Transit System
Manila Light Rail Transit System
The Manila Light Rail Transit System, popularly known as the LRT, is a metropolitan rail system serving the Metro Manila area in the Philippines. Although referred to as a light rail system because it originally used light rail vehicles, it has many characteristics of a rapid transit system, such...
. The line operates under the name Metrostar Express and is colored blue on rail maps.
The line is located along the Epifanio de los Santos Avenue
Epifanio de los Santos Avenue
Epifanio de los Santos Avenue , formerly known as Highway 54, is the main circumferential road and highway of Metro Manila in the Philippines. It is an important commuting artery between the northern and southern parts of the metropolitan area...
(EDSA), one of Metro Manila's main thoroughfares. It has thirteen stations along its 16.95km track which passes through the cities of Makati, Mandaluyong, Pasay, Quezon City, and San Juan. While originally intended to decongest EDSA, the MRT-3 has been only partially successful in decongesting EDSA, and congestion is further aggravated by the rising number of motor vehicles. The expansion of the system to cover the entire stretch of EDSA is expected to contribute to current attempts to decongest the thoroughfare and to cut travel times.
Opened in 1999, the MRT-3 is operated by the Metro Rail Transit Corporation
Metro Rail Transit Corporation
The Metro Rail Transit Corporation is a private consortium responsible for the maintenance of the Manila Metro Rail Transit System. It is also the original contractor for the MRT project...
(MRTC), a private company operating in partnership with the Department of Transportation and Communications
Department of Transportation and Communications (Philippines)
The Department of Transportation and Communications is the executive department of the Philippine government responsible for the maintenance and expansion of viable, efficient, and dependable transportation and communications systems as effective instruments for national recovery and economic...
(DOTC) under a Build-Operate-Transfer
Build-Operate-Transfer
Build-own-operate-transfer or build-operate-transfer is a form of project financing, wherein a private entity receives a concession from the private or public sector to finance, design, construct, and operate a facility stated in the concession contract...
(BOT) agreement. Although it has characteristics of light rail
Light rail
Light rail or light rail transit is a form of urban rail public transportation that generally has a lower capacity and lower speed than heavy rail and metro systems, but higher capacity and higher speed than traditional street-running tram systems...
, such as the type of rolling stock
Railroad car
A railroad car or railway vehicle , also known as a bogie in Indian English, is a vehicle on a rail transport system that is used for the carrying of cargo or passengers. Cars can be coupled together into a train and hauled by one or more locomotives...
used, it is more akin to a rapid transit
Rapid transit
A rapid transit, underground, subway, elevated railway, metro or metropolitan railway system is an electric passenger railway in an urban area with a high capacity and frequency, and grade separation from other traffic. Rapid transit systems are typically located either in underground tunnels or on...
system.
The MRT-3 network
At-grade intersection
An at-grade intersection is a junction at which two or more transport axes cross at the same level .-Traffic management:With areas of high or fast traffic, an at-grade intersection normally requires a traffic control device such as a stop sign, traffic light or railway signal to manage conflicting...
or underground. The line commences at North Avenue
North Avenue MRT Station
North Avenue MRT-3 Station, also called North for short, is a station on the Manila MRT Blue Line . North Avenue is one of the many elevated stations that can be found on the line...
and ends at Taft Avenue
Taft Avenue MRT Station
Taft Avenue MRT Station is a station on the Manila MRT Blue Line , and is the only MRT station in Pasay City. Like all other MRT stations, Taft Avenue is above-ground, although it is the only station that is at grade, lying directly on flat ground...
(Taft on the map), serving the cities that EDSA passes through: Quezon City
Quezon City
Quezon City is the former capital and the most populous city in the Philippines. Located on the island of Luzon, Quezon City is one of the cities and municipalities that make up Metro Manila, the National Capital Region. The city was named after Manuel L...
, San Juan
San Juan, Metro Manila
The City of San Juan or simply San Juan is a city in Metro Manila in the Philippines. Before the creation of Metro Manila, it was part of Rizal Province. Currently the smallest city in the region and the country in terms of area, San Juan is one of the smallest among the cities and municipalities...
, Mandaluyong
Mandaluyong City
The City of Mandaluyong is one of the cities and municipalities that comprise Metro Manila in the Philippines. It is bordered on the west by the country's capital, Manila, to the north by San Juan City, to the east by Quezon City and Pasig City, and by Makati City to the south...
, Makati
Makati City
The City of Makati is one of the 17 cities that make up Metro Manila, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. Makati is the financial center of the Philippines and one of the major financial, commercial and economic hubs in Asia...
, and Pasay
Pasay City
The City of Pasay is one of the cities and municipalities that make up Metro Manila in the Philippines. It is bordered on the north by the country's capital, Manila, to the northeast by Makati City, to the east by Taguig City, and Parañaque City to the south.Pasay City was one of the original four...
.
North Avenue, Taft Avenue and Araneta Center-Cubao
Araneta Center-Cubao MRT Station
Araneta Center-Cubao MRT Station, usually called Cubao MRT Station, is a station on the Manila MRT Blue Line . Araneta Center-Cubao station is one of the many elevated stations that can be found on the line...
are interchanges with the LRT
Manila Light Rail Transit System
The Manila Light Rail Transit System, popularly known as the LRT, is a metropolitan rail system serving the Metro Manila area in the Philippines. Although referred to as a light rail system because it originally used light rail vehicles, it has many characteristics of a rapid transit system, such...
network, with MRT North Avenue
North Avenue MRT Station
North Avenue MRT-3 Station, also called North for short, is a station on the Manila MRT Blue Line . North Avenue is one of the many elevated stations that can be found on the line...
station connected to North Avenue
North Avenue LRT Station
North Avenue LRT Station, officially named Metro Manila Integrated Rail Terminal or Common Station, is a proposed station on the Manila LRT Yellow Line under the Line 1 North Extension Project. It is also the first trans-modular station in the Philippines that will connect with LRT-1, MRT-3, MRT-7...
station and Taft Avenue
Taft Avenue MRT Station
Taft Avenue MRT Station is a station on the Manila MRT Blue Line , and is the only MRT station in Pasay City. Like all other MRT stations, Taft Avenue is above-ground, although it is the only station that is at grade, lying directly on flat ground...
station connected to EDSA
EDSA LRT Station
EDSA LRT Station is a station on the Manila LRT Yellow Line . Like all other LRT-1 stations, EDSA station is above-ground. The station is located on the intersection of Taft Avenue and Epifanio de los Santos Avenue, or EDSA, one of Metro Manila's main thoroughfares...
station on the Yellow Line
Manila LRT Yellow Line
The Manila LRT Yellow Line is the first metro line of the Manila Light Rail Transit System. Presently, the line contains twenty-two stations and runs over twenty point seven kilometers of fully elevated track...
and Araneta Center-Cubao connected to its namesake station
Araneta Center-Cubao LRT Station
Araneta Center-Cubao LRT Station, usually called Cubao LRT Station, is a station on the Manila LRT Purple Line . The station is located in Cubao in Quezon City and is named because of its location in the district of the same name and its location near the famed Araneta Center, one of the...
on the Purple Line
Manila LRT Purple Line
The Manila LRT Purple Line is the second line of the Manila Light Rail Transit System. The line contains eleven stations and runs over 13.8 kilometers of mostly elevated track, with the exception of Katipunan station, which is underground...
. The line's termini have been designated as transport hubs, where commuters can change to and from take other forms of public transport.
The MRT-3 is open from 5:30 a.m. PST
Philippine Standard Time
Philippine Standard Time , also known as Philippine Time , is the official name for the time in the Philippines. The country only has one time zone, the UTC+08:00 time zone. The country used the daylight saving time for a short time...
(UTC
Coordinated Universal Time
Coordinated Universal Time is the primary time standard by which the world regulates clocks and time. It is one of several closely related successors to Greenwich Mean Time. Computer servers, online services and other entities that rely on having a universally accepted time use UTC for that purpose...
+8) until 10:30 p.m. Last June 1, 2009, the MRT-3 experimented with a 24-hour operation. The extended hours were primarily aimed at serving call center agents and other workers in the Business Process Outsourcing sector. However, the 24/7 operations were called off after two days, citing low ridership and financial losses. The MRT management opted to extend their operations instead from 5:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. the next day. However on the summer of April 2010 (just after the Holy Week), operations have returned to its former schedule starting from 5:30am to 10:30 p.m.
Special schedules are announced via the PA system in every station and also in newspaper
Newspaper
A newspaper is a scheduled publication containing news of current events, informative articles, diverse features and advertising. It usually is printed on relatively inexpensive, low-grade paper such as newsprint. By 2007, there were 6580 daily newspapers in the world selling 395 million copies a...
s and other mass media
Mass media
Mass media refers collectively to all media technologies which are intended to reach a large audience via mass communication. Broadcast media transmit their information electronically and comprise of television, film and radio, movies, CDs, DVDs and some other gadgets like cameras or video consoles...
. It is open every day of the year except when announced, and during Holy Week
Holy Week
Holy Week in Christianity is the last week of Lent and the week before Easter...
, when it is closed for annual maintenance, owing to fewer commuters and lower levels of traffic congestion on EDSA. Normal operation resumes after Black Saturday
Holy Saturday
Holy Saturday , sometimes known as Easter Eve or Black Saturday, is the day after Good Friday. It is the day before Easter and the last day of Holy Week in which Christians prepare for Easter...
or Easter Sunday.
History
Zürich
Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland and the capital of the canton of Zurich. It is located in central Switzerland at the northwestern tip of Lake Zurich...
during the construction of the LRT. The plan consisted of a 150 kilometre network of rapid transit lines spanning all major corridors within 20 years, including a line on EDSA.
In the 1990s, the MRTC was awarded a Build-Operate-Transfer
Build-Operate-Transfer
Build-own-operate-transfer or build-operate-transfer is a form of project financing, wherein a private entity receives a concession from the private or public sector to finance, design, construct, and operate a facility stated in the concession contract...
contract by the DOTC. The DOTC would have ownership of the system and assume all administrative functions, such as the regulation of fares and operations. The MRTC would have responsibility over construction and maintenance of the system and the procurement of spare parts for trains. In exchange, the DOTC would pay the MRTC monthly fees for a certain number of years to reimburse any incurred costs.
Construction started on September 16, 1997 after the MRTC signed an amended turnkey agreement with a consortium of companies, which included Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
, or MHI, is a Japanese company. It is one of the core companies of Mitsubishi Group.-History:In 1870 Yataro Iwasaki, the founder of Mitsubishi took a lease of Government-owned Nagasaki Shipyard. He named it Nagasaki Shipyard & Machinery Works, and started the shipbuilding business on a full scale...
and Sumitomo Corporation
Sumitomo Corporation
Sumitomo Corporation is one of the largest worldwide trading company , and is a diversified corporation. Sumitomo is headquartered in the Harumi Island Triton Square Office Tower Y in Chūō, Tokyo, Japan...
, and a local company, EEI Corporation, which was subcontracted for civil works. A separate agreement was signed with ČKD
CKD
A knock-down kit is a kit containing the parts needed to assemble a product...
on rolling stock. MRTC also retained the services of ICF Kaiser Engineers and Constructors to provide program management and technical oversight of the services for the design, construction management and commissioning.
During construction, the MRTC oversaw the design, construction, equipping, testing, and commissioning, while the DOTC oversaw technical supervision of the project activities covered by the BOT contract between the DOTC and MRTC. The DOTC also sought the services of Systra
Systra
SYSTRA is an international engineering and consulting group specializing in rail and public transport. SYSTRA is known worldwide for its work in transport modes that offer a sustainable alternative to cars and trucks...
, a French
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
consultant firm, with regards to the technical competence, experience and track record in the construction and operations.
On December 15, 1999, the initial section, from North Avenue
North Avenue MRT Station
North Avenue MRT-3 Station, also called North for short, is a station on the Manila MRT Blue Line . North Avenue is one of the many elevated stations that can be found on the line...
to Buendia
Buendia MRT Station
Buendia MRT Station is one of two underground MRT stations along EDSA. The station lies near the Buendia Flyover and Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue . It is near Shell Bel-Air in the corner of Gil Puyat , EDSA, and Zodiac Street....
, opened, followed on July 20, 2000 by the remainder, from Buendia to Taft Avenue
Taft Avenue MRT Station
Taft Avenue MRT Station is a station on the Manila MRT Blue Line , and is the only MRT station in Pasay City. Like all other MRT stations, Taft Avenue is above-ground, although it is the only station that is at grade, lying directly on flat ground...
.
Ridership was initially far below expectations, since passengers had to climb long flights of stairs to enter a station, and fares were higher than on the LRT. Some stations have been retrofitted with escalator
Escalator
An escalator is a moving staircase – a conveyor transport device for carrying people between floors of a building. The device consists of a motor-driven chain of individual, linked steps that move up or down on tracks, allowing the step treads to remain horizontal.Escalators are used around the...
s and elevator
Elevator
An elevator is a type of vertical transport equipment that efficiently moves people or goods between floors of a building, vessel or other structures...
s for easier access, and ridership has increased. By 2004 MRT-3 had the highest ridership of the three lines, with 400,000 passengers daily.
Station facilities, amenities, and services
With the exception of BuendiaBuendia MRT Station
Buendia MRT Station is one of two underground MRT stations along EDSA. The station lies near the Buendia Flyover and Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue . It is near Shell Bel-Air in the corner of Gil Puyat , EDSA, and Zodiac Street....
and the platform level of Taft Avenue
Taft Avenue MRT Station
Taft Avenue MRT Station is a station on the Manila MRT Blue Line , and is the only MRT station in Pasay City. Like all other MRT stations, Taft Avenue is above-ground, although it is the only station that is at grade, lying directly on flat ground...
and Ayala
Ayala MRT Station
Ayala MRT Station is a station on the Manila MRT Blue Line . Ayala Station is one of the two underground stations that can be found on the line, the other being the Buendia station...
stations, all stations are above ground.
Station layout and accessibility
Stations have a standard layout, with a concourse level and a platform level. The concourse is usually above the platform, with stairsStairs
-People:* Scott Kannberg , guitarist of Pavement* A. Edison Stairs , New Brunswick politician* Denis Stairs , engineer, Montreal businessman* Ernest W. Stairs , New Brunswick politician...
, escalator
Escalator
An escalator is a moving staircase – a conveyor transport device for carrying people between floors of a building. The device consists of a motor-driven chain of individual, linked steps that move up or down on tracks, allowing the step treads to remain horizontal.Escalators are used around the...
s and elevator
Elevator
An elevator is a type of vertical transport equipment that efficiently moves people or goods between floors of a building, vessel or other structures...
s leading down to the platform level. The levels are separated by fare gates.
The concourse contains ticket booths. Some stations, such as Araneta Center-Cubao
Araneta Center-Cubao MRT Station
Araneta Center-Cubao MRT Station, usually called Cubao MRT Station, is a station on the Manila MRT Blue Line . Araneta Center-Cubao station is one of the many elevated stations that can be found on the line...
, are connected at concourse level to nearby buildings, such as shopping malls, for easier accessibility.
Stations either have island platform
Island platform
An island platform is a station layout arrangement where a single platform is positioned between two tracks within a railway station, tram stop or transitway interchange...
s, such as Taft Avenue
Taft Avenue MRT Station
Taft Avenue MRT Station is a station on the Manila MRT Blue Line , and is the only MRT station in Pasay City. Like all other MRT stations, Taft Avenue is above-ground, although it is the only station that is at grade, lying directly on flat ground...
and Shaw Boulevard
Shaw Boulevard MRT Station
Shaw Boulevard MRT Station, also called Shaw for short, is a station on the Manila MRT Blue Line . Shaw Boulevard station is one of the many elevated stations that can be found on the line and is also considered as the "central terminal" of the MRT3/Blue Line. Also, this is the only station with 2...
, or side platform
Side platform
A Side platform is a platform positioned to the side of a pair of tracks at a railway station, a tram stop or a transitway. A pair of side platforms are often provided on a dual track line with a single side platform being sufficient for a single track line...
s, such as Ortigas
Ortigas MRT Station
Ortigas MRT Station is a station on the Manila MRT Blue Line . The station is located in the Mandaluyong portion of Ortigas Center and is named after either Ortigas Center or Ortigas Avenue, which is nearby....
and North Avenue
North Avenue MRT Station
North Avenue MRT-3 Station, also called North for short, is a station on the Manila MRT Blue Line . North Avenue is one of the many elevated stations that can be found on the line...
. Part of the platform at the front of the train is cordoned off for the use of women, children, elderly and disabled passengers. At side-platform stations passengers may need to enter the concourse area to enter the other platform or go through bridges atop some stations, while passengers can easily switch sides at stations with island platforms. Stations have toilets at the concourse level.
Most stations are barrier-free inside and outside the station, and trains have spaces for passengers using wheelchair
Wheelchair
A wheelchair is a chair with wheels, designed to be a replacement for walking. The device comes in variations where it is propelled by motors or by the seated occupant turning the rear wheels by hand. Often there are handles behind the seat for someone else to do the pushing...
s.
Shops and services
Inside the concourse of all stations is at least one stall or stand where people can buy food or drinks. Stalls vary by station, and some have fast food stalls. The number of stalls also varies by station, and stations tend to have a wide variety, especially in stations such as AyalaAyala MRT Station
Ayala MRT Station is a station on the Manila MRT Blue Line . Ayala Station is one of the two underground stations that can be found on the line, the other being the Buendia station...
and Shaw Boulevard.
Stations such as Taft Avenue and North Avenue are connected to or are near shopping malls and/or other large shopping areas, where commuters are offered more shopping varieties.
In cooperation with the Philippine Daily Inquirer
Philippine Daily Inquirer
The Philippine Daily Inquirer, popularly known as the Inquirer, is the most widely read broadsheet newspaper in the Philippines, with a daily circulation of 260,000 copies. It is one of the Philippines' newspapers of record...
, passengers are offered a copy of the Inquirer Libre
Inquirer Libre
Inquirer Libre is a free, bilingual tabloid published in the Philippines. It is published by the Philippine Daily Inquirer and is considered a trimmed-down version of the Philippine Daily Inquirer that is distributed on public transport...
, a free, tabloid-size, Tagalog
Tagalog language
Tagalog is an Austronesian language spoken as a first language by a third of the population of the Philippines and as a second language by most of the rest. It is the first language of the Philippine region IV and of Metro Manila...
version of the Inquirer, which is available from 6 a.m. at all MRT-3 stations.
Operating Schedule
MRT-3 operates from 5:30 AM until 10:00 PM all days a week. It is closed for annual maintenance every Maundy ThursdayMaundy Thursday
Maundy Thursday, also known as Holy Thursday, Covenant Thursday, Great & Holy Thursday, and Thursday of Mysteries, is the Christian feast or holy day falling on the Thursday before Easter that commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with the Apostles as described in the Canonical gospels...
, Good Friday
Good Friday
Good Friday , is a religious holiday observed primarily by Christians commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his death at Calvary. The holiday is observed during Holy Week as part of the Paschal Triduum on the Friday preceding Easter Sunday, and may coincide with the Jewish observance of...
, Black Saturday
Black Saturday
Black Saturday may refer to:* Holy Saturday* Black Saturday , the busiest day of the year when many people go on holiday* Black Saturday bushfires , when a series of bushfires burnt across the Australian state of Victoria...
and Easter Sunday. At the discretion of its operators, it is also closed during All Saints Day (November 1).
First / Last Train Service
Regular Operation
|
December 24 and 31
|
December 25 and January 1
|
Weekday Revenue Service
|
Weekend Revenue Service
|
Safety
The MRT-3 has always presented itself as a safe system to travel in. So far, this has been affirmed by the MRTC, the contractors who built the MRT-3 and even the government, and the MRT-3 has since been able to live up to that reputation. Safety notices in both EnglishEnglish language
English is a West Germanic language that arose in the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of England and spread into what was to become south-east Scotland under the influence of the Anglian medieval kingdom of Northumbria...
and Tagalog
Tagalog language
Tagalog is an Austronesian language spoken as a first language by a third of the population of the Philippines and as a second language by most of the rest. It is the first language of the Philippine region IV and of Metro Manila...
are also a common sight at MRT-3 stations and inside MRT-3 trains.
Incidents and accidents
Incidents and accidents are rare aboard the MRT-3, but there have been notable events throughout the MRT-3's history:| Date | Station | Event |
|---|---|---|
| June 28, 2004 | Guadalupe Guadalupe MRT Station Guadalupe MRT Station is a station on the Manila MRT Blue Line . The station is one of the many elevated stations that can be found on the line. It is located in Makati City and is named because of its location in Barangay Guadalupe Nuevo in Makati... and Boni Boni MRT Station Boni MRT Station or called as Boni Avenue, is a station on the Manila MRT Blue Line . Its nearest landmarks include Forum Robinsons, Victor Potenciano Medical Center, and Paragon Plaza Building... |
A catenary wire broke between Guadalupe and Boni stations, causing an MRT-3 train to stop between the two stations. Passengers panicked inside the train and a minor stampede was reported, although no one was hurt. The wire was believed to have broken due to a fluctuation in the MRT-3's power supply. Because of the incident, all MRT-3 services from Taft Avenue Taft Avenue MRT Station Taft Avenue MRT Station is a station on the Manila MRT Blue Line , and is the only MRT station in Pasay City. Like all other MRT stations, Taft Avenue is above-ground, although it is the only station that is at grade, lying directly on flat ground... to Shaw Boulevard Shaw Boulevard MRT Station Shaw Boulevard MRT Station, also called Shaw for short, is a station on the Manila MRT Blue Line . Shaw Boulevard station is one of the many elevated stations that can be found on the line and is also considered as the "central terminal" of the MRT3/Blue Line. Also, this is the only station with 2... were temporarily suspended. |
| August 12, 2004 | GMA-Kamuning Kamuning MRT Station Kamuning MRT Station, also called GMA-Kamuning MRT Station, is a station on the Manila MRT Blue Line . Kamuning station is one of the many elevated stations that can be found on the line... |
Another catenary wire broke near Kamuning station, where a southbound train headed from Quezon Avenue Quezon Avenue MRT Station Quezon Avenue MRT Station, also called Quezon for short, is a station on the Manila MRT Blue Line . Quezon Avenue station is one of the many elevated stations that can be found on the line. The station is located in Diliman in Quezon City and is named after Quezon Avenue, one of the busy... station was stranded, forcing the passengers inside the train to walk to Kamuning station. Service was suspended from Shaw Boulevard to North Avenue North Avenue MRT Station North Avenue MRT-3 Station, also called North for short, is a station on the Manila MRT Blue Line . North Avenue is one of the many elevated stations that can be found on the line... , with commuters also asking whether the incident was purely mechanical or incidental, as some claim that the malfunctions were used to justify the MRTC's call for higher fares. |
| February 14, 2005 | Ayala Ayala MRT Station Ayala MRT Station is a station on the Manila MRT Blue Line . Ayala Station is one of the two underground stations that can be found on the line, the other being the Buendia station... |
A bomb exploded in an apparent terrorist attack on Valentine's Day Valentine's Day Saint Valentine's Day, commonly shortened to Valentine's Day, is an annual commemoration held on February 14 celebrating love and affection between intimate companions. The day is named after one or more early Christian martyrs named Saint Valentine, and was established by Pope Gelasius I in 496... at the bus stop just below Ayala station, with an unknown death toll. The Abu Sayyaf Abu Sayyaf Abu Sayyaf also known as al-Harakat al-Islamiyya is one of several military Islamist separatist groups based in and around the southern Philippines, in Bangsamoro where for almost 30 years various Muslim groups have been engaged in an insurgency for an independent province in the country... took responsibility for the bombings, which included attacks in Davao City Davao City The City of Davao is the largest city in the island of Mindanao in the Philippines. Its international airport and seaports are among the busiest cargo hubs in the Philippines.... and General Santos City General Santos City The City of General Santos is the southernmost port city of the Philippines. Being a highly urbanized first class city, GenSan is one of the most populous urban centers in the country with a population of 679,588 as per census data of 2010... that occurred at the same time as the bombing below the MRT-3. It is unknown whether any MRT-3 passengers were hurt or killed in the bombing. The Abu Sayyaf claims that the bombing is their "Valentine's gift" to the President. Three suspects, one an Indonesian Indonesian people Indonesian people may be:*any nation or ethnic group of Indonesia**see Demographics of Indonesia**see Overseas Indonesians**see Ethnic groups in Indonesia**see Native Indonesians... , were sentenced to death on October 28, 2005 for their actions. |
| September 22, 2005 | Araneta Center-Cubao Araneta Center-Cubao MRT Station Araneta Center-Cubao MRT Station, usually called Cubao MRT Station, is a station on the Manila MRT Blue Line . Araneta Center-Cubao station is one of the many elevated stations that can be found on the line... |
Strong winds caused a portion of an advertisement billboard's tarpaulin Tarpaulin A tarpaulin, colloquially tarp, is a large sheet of strong, flexible, water-resistant or waterproof material, often cloth such as canvas or polyester coated with urethane, or made of plastics such as polyethylene. In some places such as Australia, and in military slang, a tarp may be known as a... to fall onto the MRT-3's overhead wires. Because of the incident, thousands of commuters were forced to take alternate forms of transportation, causing massive traffic jams on EDSA Epifanio de los Santos Avenue Epifanio de los Santos Avenue , formerly known as Highway 54, is the main circumferential road and highway of Metro Manila in the Philippines. It is an important commuting artery between the northern and southern parts of the metropolitan area... . All MRT-3 services from Shaw Boulevard to North Avenue were also temporarily suspended. |
| August 21, 2006 | Boni Boni MRT Station Boni MRT Station or called as Boni Avenue, is a station on the Manila MRT Blue Line . Its nearest landmarks include Forum Robinsons, Victor Potenciano Medical Center, and Paragon Plaza Building... |
Strong winds caused the collapse of an advertising billboard onto Epifanio de los Santos Avenue, with part of the billboard landing on the roof of Boni station at around 3:30 a.m. PST Philippine Standard Time Philippine Standard Time , also known as Philippine Time , is the official name for the time in the Philippines. The country only has one time zone, the UTC+08:00 time zone. The country used the daylight saving time for a short time... . Three lanes of EDSA were closed due to the incident, which caused massive traffic jams, while power had to be cut for a few hours after the incident, since portions of the billboard were entangled in the power wires. MRT-3 services were not interrupted. |
| October 22, 2006 | Ortigas Ortigas MRT Station Ortigas MRT Station is a station on the Manila MRT Blue Line . The station is located in the Mandaluyong portion of Ortigas Center and is named after either Ortigas Center or Ortigas Avenue, which is nearby.... |
An unidentified man was run over by an MRT-3 train near Ortigas station around 9:00 p.m. PST after he was believed to have jumped off a nearby flyover. The man, according to witnesses, was a "rugby boy", or one high on "rugby" Rubber cement Rubber cement is an adhesive made from elastic polymers mixed in a solvent such as acetone, hexane, heptane or toluene to keep them fluid enough to be used. Water-based formulas, often stabilised by ammonia, are also available... (rubber cement), and was believed to be intoxicated at the time of the jump. MRT-3 operations were suspended for about ten minutes due to the incident. |
| January 5, 2011 | Ortigas Ortigas MRT Station Ortigas MRT Station is a station on the Manila MRT Blue Line . The station is located in the Mandaluyong portion of Ortigas Center and is named after either Ortigas Center or Ortigas Avenue, which is nearby.... |
A 43-year-old man jumped into the railway in Ortigas station Wednesday around 12:40 p.m. PST but survived. |
| January 18, 2011 | Ayala Ayala MRT Station Ayala MRT Station is a station on the Manila MRT Blue Line . Ayala Station is one of the two underground stations that can be found on the line, the other being the Buendia station... |
The escalator in the Ayala station malfunctioned leaving 16 people injured. |
| January 20, 2011 | Santolan Santolan MRT Station Santolan MRT Station, also known as Santolan-Annapolis MRT Station, is a station on the Manila MRT Blue Line .The station is the fifth station for trains headed to North Avenue and the ninth station for trains headed to Taft Avenue.... |
A south-bound train stopped at around 9:52 a.m. PST near the Santolan station after a break pad got stuck. Passengers panicked due to the foul odor the brakes produced resulting to some minor injuries. |
| January 25, 2011 | Buendia Buendia MRT Station Buendia MRT Station is one of two underground MRT stations along EDSA. The station lies near the Buendia Flyover and Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue . It is near Shell Bel-Air in the corner of Gil Puyat , EDSA, and Zodiac Street.... |
A bomb exploded on a Newman Goldliner bus bound for Fairview near the Buendia station as it was on the northbound loading bay in EDSA-Buendia in an apparent terrorist attack by an unknown group leaving 5 dead and several injured. As of today, no terrorist group has claimed responsibility over the incident. |
| March 21, 2011 | Kamuning Kamuning MRT Station Kamuning MRT Station, also called GMA-Kamuning MRT Station, is a station on the Manila MRT Blue Line . Kamuning station is one of the many elevated stations that can be found on the line... |
The third coach of one MRT-3 train set bound for Taft Avenue Taft Avenue MRT Station Taft Avenue MRT Station is a station on the Manila MRT Blue Line , and is the only MRT station in Pasay City. Like all other MRT stations, Taft Avenue is above-ground, although it is the only station that is at grade, lying directly on flat ground... Station got detached while it was plying the mentioned route between Quezon Avenue Quezon Avenue MRT Station Quezon Avenue MRT Station, also called Quezon for short, is a station on the Manila MRT Blue Line . Quezon Avenue station is one of the many elevated stations that can be found on the line. The station is located in Diliman in Quezon City and is named after Quezon Avenue, one of the busy... and Kamuning Kamuning MRT Station Kamuning MRT Station, also called GMA-Kamuning MRT Station, is a station on the Manila MRT Blue Line . Kamuning station is one of the many elevated stations that can be found on the line... Stations. The detached coach stopped near the Kamuning Kamuning MRT Station Kamuning MRT Station, also called GMA-Kamuning MRT Station, is a station on the Manila MRT Blue Line . Kamuning station is one of the many elevated stations that can be found on the line... Station and no one was hurt in the said incident. |
Rules
Passengers at MRT-3 stations are advised to not stay too close to the edge of the platforms to avoid falling onto the tracks. Passengers are prohibited from eating, drinking or smoking and taking pictures inside the platform area of all MRT-3 stations and inside the trains. Bags are also inspected for prohibited goods, such as chemicals and knives. Passengers are also inspected by guards using a handheld metal detectorMetal detector
A metal detector is a device which responds to metal that may not be readily apparent.The simplest form of a metal detector consists of an oscillator producing an alternating current that passes through a coil producing an alternating magnetic field...
.
For safety and security reasons, persons who are visibly intoxicated, insane
Insanity
Insanity, craziness or madness is a spectrum of behaviors characterized by certain abnormal mental or behavioral patterns. Insanity may manifest as violations of societal norms, including becoming a danger to themselves and others, though not all such acts are considered insanity...
and/or under the influence of controlled substances, persons carrying flammable materials and/or explosives, persons carrying bulky objects or items over 1.5 metres (5 ft) tall and/or wide, and persons bringing pets and/or other animal
Animal
Animals are a major group of multicellular, eukaryotic organisms of the kingdom Animalia or Metazoa. Their body plan eventually becomes fixed as they develop, although some undergo a process of metamorphosis later on in their life. Most animals are motile, meaning they can move spontaneously and...
s are prohibited from entering the MRT-3. Passengers are also prohibited from entering the MRT-3 if bringing products in tin can
Tin can
A tin can, tin , steel can, or a can, is a sealed container for the distribution or storage of goods, composed of thin metal. Many cans require opening by cutting the "end" open; others have removable covers. Cans hold diverse contents: foods, beverages, oil, chemicals, etc."Tin" cans are made...
s, citing the possibility of home-made bomb
Bomb
A bomb is any of a range of explosive weapons that only rely on the exothermic reaction of an explosive material to provide an extremely sudden and violent release of energy...
s being concealed inside the cans.
Security
In response to the Rizal Day bombingsRizal Day bombings
The Rizal Day bombings, also referred to as the December 30 bombings, were a series of bombings that occurred around Metro Manila in the Philippines on December 30, 2000. The explosions occurred in close succession within a span of a few hours...
and the September 11th attacks, security has been stepped up onboard the MRT-3. The Philippine National Police
Philippine National Police
The Philippine National Police is the national police force of the Republic of the Philippines. It is both a national and a local police force in that it does provides all law enforcement services throughout the Philippines...
has a special MRT police force, and security police
Security police
In some countries, including the United States, security police are those persons, employed by or for a governmental agency, who provide police and security services to those agencies' properties....
provided by private companies can be found in all MRT-3 stations. All MRT -3 stations have a head guard. Some stations may also have a deployed K9 bomb-sniffing dog.
The MRT-3 also employs the use of closed-circuit television
Closed-circuit television
Closed-circuit television is the use of video cameras to transmit a signal to a specific place, on a limited set of monitors....
inside all stations to monitor suspicious activities and to assure safety and security aboard the line.
Passengers are also advised to look out for thieves, who can take advantage of the crowding aboard MRT-3 trains. Wanted poster
Wanted poster
A wanted poster is a poster distributed to let the public know of an alleged criminal whom authorities wish to apprehend. They will generally include either a picture of the alleged criminal when a photograph is available, or of a facial composite image produced by a police artist...
s are posted at all MRT-3 stations to help commuters identify known thieves.
Fares and Ticketing
The MRT-3, like the LRT-1 and MRT-2, uses a distance-based fare structure, with fares ranging from ten to fifteen pesosPhilippine peso
The peso is the currency of the Philippines. It is subdivided into 100 centavos . Before 1967, the language used on the banknotes and coins was English and so "peso" was the name used...
(23 to 35 U.S. cents
United States dollar
The United States dollar , also referred to as the American dollar, is the official currency of the United States of America. It is divided into 100 smaller units called cents or pennies....
), depending on the destination.
Fare structure
The MRT-3 only uses one fare structure for both single-journey and stored-value ticket holders. Commuters who ride the MRT-3 are charged 10 pesos for the first three stations, 11 pesos for 4–5 stations, 12 pesos for 6–8 stations, 14 pesos for 9–11 stations and 15 pesos for 12 stations or the entire line. Children below 1.02 metres (3 ft 4.4 in) (the height of a fare gate) may ride for free on the MRT-3.Types of tickets
Two types of MRT-3 tickets exist: a single-journey (one-way) ticket whose cost is dependent on the destination, and a stored-value (multiple-use) ticket for 100 pesos. The 200-peso & 500-peso stored-value tickets was issued in the past, but has since been phased out. The single-journey ticket is valid only on the date of purchase. Meanwhile, the stored-value ticket is valid for three months from date of purchase when unused and for one month from date it was first used.MRT-3 tickets come in three incarnations: one bearing the portrait of Joseph Estrada
Joseph Estrada
Joseph "Erap" Ejercito Estrada was the 13th President of the Philippines, serving from 1998 until 2001. Estrada was the first person in the Post-EDSA era to be elected both to the presidency and vice-presidency.Estrada gained popularity as a film actor, playing the lead role in over 100 films in...
, which have since been phased out, although some tickets have been recycled due to ticket shortages, one bearing the portrait of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is a Filipino politician who served as the 14th President of the Philippines from 2001 to 2010, as the 12th Vice President of the Philippines from 1998 to 2001, and is currently a member of the House of Representatives representing the 2nd District of Pampanga...
, and one bearing the logos of the DOTC
Department of Transportation and Communications (Philippines)
The Department of Transportation and Communications is the executive department of the Philippine government responsible for the maintenance and expansion of viable, efficient, and dependable transportation and communications systems as effective instruments for national recovery and economic...
and the MRTC. In the past, the MRTC was also forced, other than recycling the old "Erap tickets", to borrow stored-value tickets from the LRTA, due to the same ticket shortages.
Because of the ticket shortages, it is now common practice for regular MRT-3 passengers to purchase several stored-value tickets at a time, since passengers would not know when or what station the tickets would be available at. Although new stored-value tickets have arrived, passengers still complain of a lack of tickets at stations. Passengers also complain of a shortage of single-journey tickets, with long lines at MRT-3 ticket booths already common and with the MRTC having to alleviate the ticket shortages through alternate means.
G-Pass and Smart Contactless Card
Globe Telecom
Globe Telecom , commonly known as Globe, is a telecommunications company in the Philippines. Globe provides mobile, fixed line, and broadband Internet services.- History :In 1928, Congress passed Act No...
introduced the G-Pass as an alternative to entering the MRT-3. The G-Pass uses a stored-value RFID chip that is tapped on a sensor on top of the fare gates upon entry and exit from the MRT-3, instead of a ticket which is inserted through the gate's ticket slot. The chip can be reloaded with MRT-3 fare credits using G-Cash or through a G-Pass reloading booth usually located near a station's ticket counters. The product is not exclusive to Globe subscribers; however, being a Globe subscriber avoids the queues when reloading a G-Pass because you can have balance inquiry of your G-Pass by using your Globe-subscribed cellphone through sending an SMS balance inquiry to Globe (although these days, this is temporarily suspended) and also, since Globe subscribers can reload using G-Cash. A G-Pass costs 100 pesos, with 50 pesos worth of free credits upon initial purchase.
G-Passes can be purchased at all MRT-3 stations, RFID sensors for these passes have been installed at all MRT-3 stations from North Avenue to Taft Station. There are also balance inquiry machine in each of G-Pass reloading booths of every stations which are free to use. To use a G-Pass, at least 16 pesos worth of credits must remain in the chip, corresponding to the maximum MRT-3 fare of the same amount because the system deducts credits after exiting the station of your destination. The expiration of a G-Pass is 3 years compared to a stored-value ticket which is only 1 month after use. A maximum of 2000 pesos can be loaded on a G-Pass. No plans have been made whether the G-Pass will be instituted on LRT-1 and MRT-2.
Smart Money Pay Pass
In March 2007, Globe Telecom's main competitor, Smart CommunicationsSmart Communications
Smart Communications is a wholly owned mobile phone and Internet service subsidiary of the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company .On June 30, 2010 the company reported that it had over 45 million cellular subscribers.-Brands:...
, forged a partnership with MetroPass Systems to allow MRT-3 passengers to use the upcoming Smart Money PayPass card to pay for their ride. The system has not been installed yet on any MRT-3 station and no formal date has been set as to when this method of payment will be rolled-out.
Globe G-Pass and Smart Money Pay Pass was phased out last January 1, 2009.
Rolling stock
The MRT-3 runs light rail vehicles made in the Czech RepublicCzech Republic
The Czech Republic is a landlocked country in Central Europe. The country is bordered by Poland to the northeast, Slovakia to the east, Austria to the south, and Germany to the west and northwest....
by ČKD
CKD
A knock-down kit is a kit containing the parts needed to assemble a product...
(now part of Siemens AG
Siemens AG
Siemens AG is a German multinational conglomerate company headquartered in Munich, Germany. It is the largest Europe-based electronics and electrical engineering company....
) in a three-car configuration. The trains are a gift from the Czech government
Politics of the Czech Republic
Politically, the Czech Republic is a multi-party parliamentary representative democratic republic. According to the Constitution of the Czech Republic, the President is the head of state while the Prime Minister is the head of government, exercising supreme executive power...
. Trains have a capacity of 957 passengers, which is less than the normal capacity of LRT-1 first generation rolling stock. Unlike original Yellow Line stock at the time, MRT-3 trains came with air conditioning
Air conditioning
An air conditioner is a home appliance, system, or mechanism designed to dehumidify and extract heat from an area. The cooling is done using a simple refrigeration cycle...
.
MRT-3 trains are particularly known for their use of wrap advertising
Wrap advertising
Wrap advertising is the marketing practice of completely or partially covering a vehicle in an advertisement or livery, thus turning it into a mobile billboard. This can be achieved by simply painting the vehicle surface, but it is becoming more common today to use large vinyl sheets as decals...
. A wide variety of advertisements can be seen on MRT-3 trains, of which some include Samsung Electronics
Samsung Electronics
Samsung Electronics is a South Korean multinational electronics and information technology company headquartered in Samsung Town, Seoul...
, Panasonic
Panasonic
Panasonic is an international brand name for Japanese electric products manufacturer Panasonic Corporation, which was formerly known as Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd...
and Epson products. Trains bearing wrap advertising are now very common aboard the MRT-3, although trains that use MRT-3's house colors are also in service in the network. The revenues generated from the advertising on MRT-3 trains are used to pay off debts incurred by the MRTC during the system's construction.
As of 2006, the Department of Transportation and Communications has sealed a deal with the city government of Vienna
Vienna
Vienna is the capital and largest city of the Republic of Austria and one of the nine states of Austria. Vienna is Austria's primary city, with a population of about 1.723 million , and is by far the largest city in Austria, as well as its cultural, economic, and political centre...
to obtain 48 second-hand Vienna U-Bahn
Vienna U-Bahn
The Vienna U-Bahn is a rapid transit system consisting of five lines. It is the backbone of one of the best performing public transport systems worldwide according to UITP in June 2009. More than 1.3 million passengers use the Vienna U-Bahn every day...
trains as part of the MRT-3's expansion program, designed to expand the MRT's current capacity of 23,000 passengers per hour per direction (pphpd) to 48,000 pphpd. The trains are a donation from the Vienna city government. It is unclear, however, when the trains will arrive and enter service.
Depot
The MRT-3 maintains an underground depot in Quezon CityQuezon City
Quezon City is the former capital and the most populous city in the Philippines. Located on the island of Luzon, Quezon City is one of the cities and municipalities that make up Metro Manila, the National Capital Region. The city was named after Manuel L...
, near North Avenue station. On top of the depot is TriNoma
TriNoma
TriNoma is a large shopping mall in Quezon City, Philippines, owned by property development firm Ayala Land Inc...
, a shopping mall owned by the Ayala Corporation
Ayala Corporation
Ayala Corporation is a holding company for the diversified interests of the Ayala Group. Founded in the Philippines by the Spanish and German Ayala, Roxas, and Zobel families during colonial rule, it is the country's oldest and largest conglomerate...
. It occupies 84,444 square meters (908,948 sq ft) of space and serves as the headquarters for light and heavy maintenance of the MRT-3, as well as the operations of the system in general. It is connected to the main MRT-3 network by a spur line.
The depot is capable of storing 81 light rail vehicles, with the option to expand to include 40 more vehicles as demand arises. They are parked on nine sets of tracks, which converge onto the spur route and later on to the main network.
Future Expansion
Although much of the MRT-3 has already been built, the route envisioned by the DOTC and the government in general was for the MRT-3 to traverse the entire length of EDSA (from Monumento to Taft Ave), eventually connecting to the Yellow Line at MonumentoMonumento LRT Station
Monumento LRT Station is a station on the Manila LRT Yellow Line . Like all other LRT-1 stations, Monumento station is above-ground. The station serves the southern portion of Caloocan City, and is named after the most famous landmark of Caloocan, the Monumento Circle, which houses the Bonifacio...
in Caloocan City
Caloocan City
The City of Caloocan is one of the cities and municipalities that comprises the Metro Manila region in the Philippines. It is a major residential area inside Metro Manila...
. The expansion has been shelved in favor of the Yellow Line's
Manila Light Rail Transit System
The Manila Light Rail Transit System, popularly known as the LRT, is a metropolitan rail system serving the Metro Manila area in the Philippines. Although referred to as a light rail system because it originally used light rail vehicles, it has many characteristics of a rapid transit system, such...
extension from Monumento
Monumento LRT Station
Monumento LRT Station is a station on the Manila LRT Yellow Line . Like all other LRT-1 stations, Monumento station is above-ground. The station serves the southern portion of Caloocan City, and is named after the most famous landmark of Caloocan, the Monumento Circle, which houses the Bonifacio...
to a new common station that it will share with the MRT-3 at North Avenue, thus closing the loop. It is also planned that the southern terminus of the proposed MRT-7, which will link Quezon City, Caloocan (north), and San Jose del Monte City, Bulacan
Bulacan
Bulacan , officially called the Province of Bulacan or simply Bulacan Province, is a first class province of the Republic of the Philippines located in the Central Luzon Region in the island of Luzon, north of Manila , and part of the Metro...
will be sharing the same station.
The National Economic and Development Authority
National Economic and Development Authority (Philippines)
The National Economic and Development Authority , abbreviated as NEDA, is an independent cabinet-level agency of the Philippine government responsible for economic development and planning. It is headed by the President of the Philippines as chairman of the NEDA board, with the Secretary of...
and even President-then Arroyo herself have said that the MRT3-LRT1 link at North Avenue is a national priority, since it would not only provide seamless service between the LRT-1 and the MRT-3, but would also help decongest Metro Manila. It is estimated that by 2010, when the extension is completed, some 684,000 commuters would use the MRT-3 everyday from the present 400,000, and traffic congestion on EDSA would be cut by as much as fifty percent.
Another proposal, which is under study, by MRT-3 is to acquire 73 additional light rail vehicles to accommodate the 520,000 passenger a day requirement.
A study by the DOTC mulls at the possibility of uniting the operations of MRT-3 and LRT-1, to save in maintenance costs and to offer a complete transportation line along EDSA.
Transfer of operations from MRTC to LRTA
Recently a new study for the Metro Manila Rail Network has been unveiled by the DOTC undersecretary for Public Information Dante Velasco that LRT 1, MRT 2, and MRT 3 will be under one management, The Light Rail Transit AuthorityLight Rail Transit Authority
The Light Rail Transit Authority is a public transport operator that is in charge of operating and maintaining the Manila Light Rail Transit System. Founded on July 12, 1980, it is also responsible for monitoring the progress of construction of all LRT lines...
. This is due to maintenance cost issues for Line 1's maintenance cost is approximately Php 35 Million only, Line 2 is Php 25 Million only, while Line 3 has a staggering Php 100 Million maintenance cost. Another reason for this study is for the unification of the LRT 1 and the MRT 3 lines. According to DOTC Undersecretary For Rails Glicerio Sicat, the transfer is set by the government in June 2011.
As of January 13, 2011, Light Rail Transit Authority
Light Rail Transit Authority
The Light Rail Transit Authority is a public transport operator that is in charge of operating and maintaining the Manila Light Rail Transit System. Founded on July 12, 1980, it is also responsible for monitoring the progress of construction of all LRT lines...
Chief Rafael S. Rodriguez took over as officer-in-charge of MRT-3 in preparation for the integration of operations of Yellow, Purple, and Blue Lines.
See also
- Department of Transportation and CommunicationsDepartment of Transportation and Communications (Philippines)The Department of Transportation and Communications is the executive department of the Philippine government responsible for the maintenance and expansion of viable, efficient, and dependable transportation and communications systems as effective instruments for national recovery and economic...
(DOTC) - List of rapid transit systems
- List of Strong Republic Transit System stations
- Manila Light Rail Transit SystemManila Light Rail Transit SystemThe Manila Light Rail Transit System, popularly known as the LRT, is a metropolitan rail system serving the Metro Manila area in the Philippines. Although referred to as a light rail system because it originally used light rail vehicles, it has many characteristics of a rapid transit system, such...
(Yellow and Purple Lines) - Manila LRT Purple LineManila LRT Purple LineThe Manila LRT Purple Line is the second line of the Manila Light Rail Transit System. The line contains eleven stations and runs over 13.8 kilometers of mostly elevated track, with the exception of Katipunan station, which is underground...
(Purple Line) - Manila LRT Yellow LineManila LRT Yellow LineThe Manila LRT Yellow Line is the first metro line of the Manila Light Rail Transit System. Presently, the line contains twenty-two stations and runs over twenty point seven kilometers of fully elevated track...
(Yellow Line) - Metro Rail Transit CorporationMetro Rail Transit CorporationThe Metro Rail Transit Corporation is a private consortium responsible for the maintenance of the Manila Metro Rail Transit System. It is also the original contractor for the MRT project...
- Strong Republic Transit SystemStrong Republic Transit SystemThe Strong Republic Transit System was launched to integrate the various rail lines providing public transport in Manila in the Philippines. The program was initiated by former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on June 14, 2003...
(SRTS) - Transportation in the PhilippinesTransportation in the PhilippinesThis article describes the various forms of transportation in the Philippines, an archipelago of over 7,000 islands.-Vehicles:During this period, there were 50,000 automobiles in the region. The carabao was used as a primary transportation source...