DOTr orders to speed up testing of unused Dalian trains

Metro Manila, Philippines - The Department of Transportation (DOTr) said on Thursday, June 5, it wants to speed up the testing of the unused Dalian trains that can run along Metro Rail Transit (MRT-3) tracks.

In a press release, Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon said he asked Sumitomo Corp., the Japanese maintenance operator of the MRT-3, to do safety checks on the 48 unused vehicles.

“The Dalian trains can actually run on MRT-3 tracks, but this needs to be cleared by the current maintenance operator of the MRT-3, which is Sumitomo Corp. of Japan,” he said.

“I’ve spoken to them about this several times already and I gave them a deadline to give me a report and a straight answer: what do we need to make these trains run?” Dizon added.

The transport chief said the trains should clear the testing and requirements before they will be approved for daily use.

Dizon noted that once operational, the light rail vehicles can benefit thousands of passengers in the rail line.

The Dalian trains were procured in 2014 but have stayed idle for regular service due to reported incompatibility with the MRT-3 system.

NewsWatch Plus correspondent Lance Mejico contributed to this report.