The Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) has recorded a steady increase in daily ridership, growing by 1,000 to 2,000 passengers per day since the implementation of a 50% fare discount, General Manager Engr. Michael Capati announced Thursday.
In an interview with DZRH’s Dos Por Dos, Capati reported that daily ridership reached 468,000 yesterday, nearing the line's pre-expansion average of 450,000 to 475,000 passengers. While the management expected a more "drastic" surge, Capati noted that current figures remain manageable.
"Sa ngayon kasi the last three days natin, if you will compare, slight lang yung increase ng ating pasahero. Hindi pa niya na-meet yung expectation natin na malaking pagtaas ng pasahero,” Capati said.
“Pero siguro, baka ang nakikita ko lang dyan, Dahil kulang yung mga jeep, mga bus na nag-fifeed sa linya. Nako-compensate yung increase,” he added.
Peak Hour Management
Addressing viral videos of long queues at certain stations, Capati clarified that heavy foot traffic is strictly concentrated during peak hours, specifically from 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
“May mga pila tayo na-e-experience, especially sa peak hour. Sa peak hour hindi nagbabago. Diyan pa rin yung naglalaro pa rin yung averages natin. Pero yung in totality, yung sa non-peak hour, doon hindi masyadong drastic ang increase.”
To combat congestion, the MRT-3 currently deploys 19 trainsets, including six 4-car configurations. A 4-car train has a capacity of 1,350 passengers, significantly higher than the 1,050 capacity of the standard 3-car sets.
"Yun ang design natin talaga na 3.5. Kailangan i-regulate din natin yung dating ng mga tren kada dulo," Capati noted, adding that the end-to-end travel time from North Avenue to Taft Avenue is now consistent at 30 minutes following system rehabilitations.
Facility Upgrades
Commuters can also expect improved station aesthetics and amenities. Capati confirmed that a Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)-funded rehabilitation is underway, starting with the Quezon Avenue station. The project includes the total refurbishment of restrooms and facilities.
"Yung ating CR, kala mo parang nasa hotel ka na. Yan yung ating rehabilitation through JICA. Ang instruction ni Secretary Lopez, siguraduhin natin maayos ang pasilidad natin," he said.
With the current 50% discount intended to provide relief against rising fuel prices, the minimum fare has dropped to P6.00 (from P13.00), while the maximum end-to-end fare is now P14.00 (from P28.00).
When asked about the financial impact of the discount, Capati explained that the MRT-3's maintenance is funded via a JICA loan, while operations are subsidized by the national budget through Congress. All fare collections are remitted directly to the national treasury.
The management is also looking to tap into additional revenue streams by bidding out new advertisement contracts after previous concessions expired.
