Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — The new train prototype for the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) has arrived on Friday (August 14).
It arrived at the Manila International Container Terminal at around 1 a.m.
The prototype, which will be painted yellow and blue, will have improved power supply to prevent electrical failure.
The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) said the next three months are crucial. Tests would be done to ensure it is compatible with the MRT-3 system.
Related: DOTC: MRT-3 train prototype shipment scheduled on July 29
“Paparatingin natin siya sa MRT-3 depot. I-assemble siya, hiwalay gulong at katawan, at paparatingin sa MRT-3. Baka one week to follow all procedures of BoC (Bureau of Customs), tapos wait din namin engineers ng China,” Transportation Secretary Joseph Abaya said.
Despite DOTC’s assurance of improved train efficiency, some passengers are skeptical.
One MRT-3 passenger Lexter Apor told CNN Philippines that he is hoping for changes to happen soon.
“Dapat po nila madaliin kasi yun po, gaya ng sinabi ko, nakukulangan ng oras yung mga nagtatrabaho,”he said.
Another passenger Helen Ikaro made a similar sentiment and compared her experience in riding the train as being in a can of sardines.
“Dapat bilisan kasi kawawa naman kaming mga commuter tapos para pa kaming sardinas kapag rush hour, siksikan tapos minsan madudukutan ka pa,” she said.
DOTC, however, said that it must follow procedure.
“Sumusunod lang kami sa proseso, makasira pa kami ng kontrata… saka di rin kami papayagan ng manufacturer, gamitin mo agad, may procedure yon,” Abaya said.
“Puwede tayo mainip pero mali na lumabag sa established procedures,” he added.
Transport officials assured commuters that they can expect new trains once the testing period is over.
Three train coaches will be coming in every month beginning January next year, until all the 48 new units are delivered.
But until then, commuters have to be more patient with the MRT-3’s service.
