DOTr: Passenger capacity of Metro Manila trains increased to 30%

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade ordered all railways in Metro Manila to increase their passenger capacity to 30 percent starting Monday, October 19.

DOTr said in a press release Sunday that the Philippine National Railway (PNR), Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3), and the Lines 1 and 2 of the Light Rail Transit (LRT) would increase their respective passenger capacities to 30 percent from the initial 18 percent. It would be then gradually increased to up to 50 percent.

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DOTr Undersecretary for Railways TJ Batan said Tugade also ordered the railways to adjust social distancing marks inside the trains and strictly follow the seven commandments to prevent COVID-19 transmission.

“Our railway lines are preparing for the increased capacity, initially to 30 percent. Ang bilin po ni Secretary Tugade, dapat po ay dahan-dahan ang pagdagdag sa kapasidad ng mga tren at siguruhing mahigpit na ipatutupad ang 7 commandments upang maprotektahan ang kalusugan ng ating mga commuter,” Batan said.

(The instruction of Secretary Tugade was a gradual increase in train capacity and make sure seven commandments are followed to protect the commuters’ health.)

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According to health experts, the seven commandments to curb the spread of COVID-19 include “no talking and making phone calls; no eating; keep public utility vehicles (PUVs) well-ventilated; conduct frequent disinfection; no passengers with Covid-19 symptoms would be allowed inside public transportation, and observe appropriate physical distancing (“one-seat apart” rule).”

Passenger capacity of Metro Manila trains increased to 30% – DOTr

With the increased passenger capacity, the MRT-3 train could now carry 153 to 372 passengers per train set and 591 passengers once 50 percent capacity is implemented.

“The increased train capacity is a big help for our passengers. Shorter waiting time and the faster travel time will also help them have better service from the rail line. We will make sure that as we implement the increased capacity inside the trains, we will also strictly enforce our health and safety protocols for the benefit of our passengers,” MRT-3 Director for Operations Michael J. Capati said.

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The LRT-1 line’s 30% capacity is 370 passengers per train set, 495 for 40% capacity, and 620 for 50% capacity.

LRT-2 trains could accommodate 486 passengers per train set at 30 percent capacity, 652 passengers for 40 percent, and 814 at 50 percent capacity.

Under 30% capacity, PNR could carry 179 passengers per train set for the DMU ROTEM model; 167 passengers per train set for the DMU 8000; 228 passengers per train set for the DMU 8100; and 302 passengers per train set for the EMU model.