MRT begins pullout of X-ray machines in stations - DOTr

Metro Manila, Philippines - X-ray machines were removed at the baggage inspection areas in some MRT-3 stations, replacing them with K9 dogs and coast guard personnel to monitor security, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said on Thursday, May 29.

The agency said machines were pulled out at North Avenue, Quezon Avenue, Cubao, Santolan, Ortigas, Shaw, and Taft stations, while the rest will be done next week.

DOTr said the move is in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to make travel more convenient, in particular shorter queueing of passengers, especially with the looming Epifanio de los Santos Ave. (EDSA) rehabilitation in June.

“Noong 2020, inaabot ng isa hanggang dalawang oras ang paghihintay sa pila sa tren. Pero ngayon, aabutin na lang ng lima hanggang sampung minuto ang pagpila sa MRT-3 kahit rush hour,” the agency said.

[Translation: In 2020, waiting in line for the train took one to two hours. But now, lining up for the MRT-3 takes only five to ten minutes, even during rush hour.]

Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon earlier said the DOTr is also reviewing options to further extend MRT-3 operations. In March, the train line from Pasay to Quezon City added an hour of operation on weekdays.

NewsWatch Plus correspondent Lance Mejico contributed to this report.