MRT-3 may extend evening hours by one hour

Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon announced that the Metro Rail Transit-3 (MRT-3) in Manila may extend its evening operating hours by next week. This change comes after his recent inspection of MRT-3 stations, where he observed issues that needed attention. Dizon has directed the MRT-3 to add at least one extra hour to its night service. He noted that many Filipino workers, especially those in business process outsourcing, often work outside the standard 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. hours. He emphasized the need for transportation late at night due to ongoing heavy traffic on major roads. Currently, the last northbound train from the North Avenue station leaves at 9:30 p.m. On the southbound route, the last train from Taft Avenue departs at different times depending on the day, with the latest being 10:11 p.m. on weekdays. Dizon is also considering starting morning operations 30 minutes earlier to better serve commuters. He highlighted the importance of maintaining the trains during nighttime for safety and efficiency. Dizon noted some cleanliness and lighting issues during his inspections and has since relieved the MRT-3 General Manager from his position, stressing the need for a quick response to problems. No replacement has been announced yet.