Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 13) — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) said it would step up security measures after a woman jumped onto the tracks of the MRT-3 on Wednesday.
During a public briefing on Thursday, DOTr Assistant Secretary Jorjette Aquino said the agency would revive the proposal about the deployment of platform screen doors in the rail system.She noted that this was floated by previous administrations, but the proposal did not materialize due to financial constraints.The platform barriers would serve as an additional safety measure to prevent passengers from falling into the tracks.“Sa administration na ito, ating ibabalik ang pag-pursue nito kung kaya ng budget,” Aquino said.
[Translation: We will try to pursue this project under the current administration if the budget permits.]
In a separate statement issued on Thursday, Aquino noted that other existing rail lines do not have platform barriers.The project, however, is already included in the designs of ongoing railway projects such as the North-South Commuter Railway and Metro Manila Subway Project.Aquino said current efforts are focused on ordering station personnel and security services to implement strict measures in preventing passengers from crossing the yellow line along platforms.The railway personnel would also “profile passengers on out of the normal movements,” she added.
This comes following an incident on Wednesday when a 73-year-old female passenger died a few hours after jumping onto the tracks of MRT-3.
