MANILA, Philippines — The MRT management will limit the number of trains in operation starting July 6.

This after a number of its personnel tested positive for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), bringing the total of positive cases to 127, a Department of Transportation (DOTr) advisory said.

Initial report said the 127 cases consist of 124 Sumitomo Depot personnel and 3 MRT-3 Depot personnel who will be placed under mandatory quarantine and medication.

DOTr Undersecretary for Railways Timothy John Batan said that with the guidance of the IATF-EID and upon the advice of Sumitomo-MHI, MRT-3 will be able to continue operations, with the possibility of reducing capacity or with fewer trains.

“Sumitomo requested to discuss on a day-by-day basis the level of operations that they can sustain as results of the mass swab testing continue to be released. In the meantime, Sumitomo advised that they are able to continue with operations to service MRT-3’s tens of thousands of passengers, although at a reduced level,” said Usec Batan.

“While we try to do our best to keep the same maintenance performance through this week, we would like to discuss with DOTr MRT3 office day by day, how much maintenance level we would be able to keep, in view of the number of COVID-19 infected people,” said Masanori Honda of Sumitomo.

The advisory also said that “to augment MRT-3’s further reduced capacity due to the quarantine of some of its depot personnel, DOTr will be boosting its Bus Augmentation Program and EDSA Busway service, in coordination with the DOTr Road Sector, LTFRB, and MMDA.”

“Per guidance of the IATF-EID, additional measures and precautions will be taken during MRT-3’s reduced operations, including requiring full PPE for stations and depot personnel, limiting movement of depot personnel to their immediate areas of responsibility, increased disinfection activities, and heightened monitoring and screening of symptoms among all personnel,” the advisory further read.

Meanwhile, MRT reminds the public that it will suspend operation on July 4 and 5 to give way to their rail replacement activities. —(with details from Joan Nano) /mbmf

The management Merto Rail Transit (MRT-3) has ordered Kaizen Security Agency to sanction the security guard caught on video jogging on the MRT-3 train tracks.

Based on the management’s initial investigation, the individual in the viral video is a security guard from Kaizen Security Agency who is assigned at MRT-3 Ortigas Station.

“This action is prohibited and will not be tolerated. Thus, the MRT-3 Management has immediately directed Kaizen to apply the necessary sanctions against the guard involved,” their statement reads.

The MRT-3 reminded their personnel to be more cautious of their actions and “follow all rules and regulations enforced by the management to avoid this kind of scenario.” AAC (with reports from Joan Nano)

MANILA, Philippines – The management of the Metro Rail Transit line 3 (MRT-3) on Tuesday disinfected its coaches as part of its precautionary measures against the spread of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

In a statement posted on Facebook, the MRT-3 management said its personnel are disinfecting the hand straps, rails and seats of their trains to ensure the safety of passengers.

“Patuloy ang ginagawang pagdi-disinfect ng mga tauhan ng MRT-3, kasama ang mga personnel ng Sumitomo-MHI-TESP, sa loob ng mga tren. Ginagawa ang pagdi-disinfect sa turnback sa North Avenue station na tumatagal ng 2-3 minuto,” it said.

“Anim na personnel ang naka-assign upang maglinis sa loob ng bawat tren. Pulidong nilang nililinis ang mga handstrap, handrail at mga upuan,” it added.

The management also said that alcohol bottles are also provided in all ticket windows in every station, and restrooms have hand soaps for the use of train passengers.

The MRT-3 operator also reminded the public to wash their hands frequently, eat nutritious food and to boost their immune system to avoid contracting COVID-19 and other diseases.

“Pinaaalalahanan ng MRT 3 ang lahat na regular na maghugas ng kamay, kumain ng mga masusustansyang pagkain, at uminom ng bitamina upang lumakas ang resistensya, at nang sa ganun ay maiwasan ang COVID-2019,” it said.

“Higit sa lahat, kumunsulta sa doktor kung may nararamdamang mga sintomas,” it added.

The management assured it is doing all it can to ensure the safety of the public.

“Makakaasa po kayo na ginagawa ng MRT-3 ang lahat upang mapanatili ang kaligtasan ninyo, ang aming mga pasahero,” it said.

As of posting time, the Philippines has 33 confirmed coronavirus infections.

President Rodrigo Duterte has placed the country under a state of public health emergency following the recommendation of the Department of Health amid the surge of COVID-19 cases.

“Sa ilalim ng ganitong estado, ang lahat ng ahensya ng gobyerno at local government units ay kinakailangan magbigay ng full assistance at kooperasyon sa lahat ng hakbang ng gobyerno laban sa pagkalat ng nasabing virus,” the MRT-3 said.