More MRT trains up and running by July

MRT riders can look forward to faster commutes by July and August.

MRT General Manager Roman Buenafe has given assurances that management will have 20 trains up and running starting in July as soon as it is able to secure spare parts from sub-contractors since current maintenance provider Global APT failed to deliver on its commitments.

At present, only 14 to 16 out of the ideal 20 trains are operational.

A coach prototype is scheduled to arrive on August 21 to be provided by a Chinese supplier. Once the test runs are completed, then more trains would be arriving starting next year.

Buenafe appealed to the public for understanding amid the train shortage and disrupted operations.

As part of the MRT management's contingency plan, commuters would be given  transport options by informing them about the waiting time and the number of trains available before they get to the platform.

"Commuters are well aware that the trains are not in tip-top shape. We apologize for that. But we are doing our best to address the situation. But if the number of running trains reaches a critical level, then we will ask riders to take the bus, or the UV Express in the meantime," Buenafe said.-end-