The Department of Transportation (DOTr) plans to bring back the three-car Dalian train sets next month to reduce long queues during the holiday season.
Secretary Giovanni Lopez said the agency is closely reviewing the safety and compliance procedures of the three three-car Dalian train sets in preparation for their return to operation this December.
This follows the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to not only expedite but also ensure the safe deployment of the Dalian trains for a more convenient and safe ride for commuters.
Lopez inspected the Dalian Trains at the MRT-3 Depot in Quezon City on Tuesday and asked the technical team of the China Railway Rolling Stock Corp. (CRRC) which manages the Dalian Trains to ensure that “safety and requirements checks and procedures for utilization” are followed for the safe and orderly deployment of the trains come December.
“Although the deployment of Dalian Trains must be expedited, we will not compromise on the safety of passengers, so they will first undergo thorough safety checks to ensure the safe travel of our countrymen,” Lopez said.
He said this is a big deal for commuters because it will reduce long lines at stations because Dalian Trains can accommodate more passengers.
Lopez also ordered the MRT-3 management to study the installation of an elevator at the station to help commuters, especially persons with disabilities (PWD) and senior citizens who have difficulty getting up and down to the station platform.
Meanwhile, the lead engineer of the EDSA Busway Kamuning Station told Lopez that the construction of the modern, commuter-, PWD- and senior citizen-friendly station is expected to be completed by January 2026.
This will be a great relief for PWD and senior citizen passengers because the busway station will now have a wheelchair lift.
The agency earlier said it would spend P89.12 million to construct the new and modern EDSA Busway Kamuning Concourse, including the Kamuning footbridge.
The concourse will feature a well-maintained, pedestrian-friendly walkway and be equipped with wheelchair lifts to assist commuters, senior citizens and people with disabilities.
