Bong

Solon calls on DOTr to resolve ‘persistent’ MRT-3 breakdown

October 5, 2022 PS Jun M. Sarmiento 293 views

SENATOR Ramon Bong Revilla Jr. expressed serious concern over the recurring “disruptions” of the Metro Railway Transit (MRT) 3 operations, which continue to burden our commuters, especially during rush hours. This problem is further exacerbated by the rising number of COVID-19 infections in Metro Manila.

The solon’s statement came after a netizen captured a photo of the long queue of commuters in Ortigas Station at around 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday (Oct. 4). According to witnesses, the scene was characterized as “chaotic”, with irate and tired commuters yelling and pushing against each other.

“Lubos akong nababagabag at nag-aalala, sa nakikita nating kaawa-awang kalagayan ng ating mga kababayang naghahabol ng makauwi sa kanilang mga tahanan. Mga magulang na pagod galing sa trabaho, mga anak na nagmamadaling makauwi galing sa eskwela. Nakakagalit isipin na hanggang ngayon ay hindi pa rin natutugunan ng Kagawaran ng Transportasyon ang problema sa MRT, lalong-lalo na ngayon na patuloy na tumataas ang hawaan ng COVID-19 sa ating bansa. Nakaka-alarma dahil posibleng maging super spreader ito,” said Revilla.

This disturbing situation has prompted Revilla to call on the Department of Transportation (DOTr), led by Secretary-designate Jaime “Jimmy” Bautista, to get their acts together to avert the happening of similar incidents in the future.

Tuesday night’s malfunction is the latest of the many mishaps that continue to plague the riding public over the years.

In an advisory, MRT apologized for the inconvenience due to a “technical glitch” on the signaling system reported along a track circuit approaching Taft Avenue station.

“Nananawagan po tayo sa pamunuan ng MRT-3 na agarang solusyunan ang paulit-ulit na problema ito. More or less 300,000 commuters rely on MRT everyday. While this is a challenge on our Department of Transportation, it is also an opportunity to prove that we have a government that promptly responds to the needs of our people,” said Revilla.