By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz
MANILA – Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon on Wednesday said six more Dalian train cars will be operational before the end of the year, with the rest of the 48 train cars on track to be operational next year.
During the 2025 Post-State of the Nation Address (SONA) discussions in San Juan City, Dizon said the additional trains are in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s call to serve more passengers of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) using Dalian train cars.
“Sabi ng Pangulo sa atin, paganahin natin lahat ng Dalian trains para magamit ng mga komyuter dahil ayaw niyang masayang yung buwis ng mga kababayan natin (Our President told us, let’s get all Dalian trains working so our commuters can make use of it, and we don’t waste taxpayers’ money),” he said.
He said the MRT-3’s Japanese maintenance provider, Sumitomo Corporation, is working on solving technical issues of these Dalian trains to ensure their safety.
“Laging sinasabi ng Pangulo, sa Bagong Pilipinas, giginhawa na ang pagko-commute ng mga kababayan natin (Our President always says, in the new Philippines, commuting will be easier for the public),” he said.
To date, three Dalian train cars are operating at the MRT-3.
In his 4th SONA on Monday, Marcos ordered more Dalian train cars to be in use at the MRT-3 before the year ends, with all 48 train cars to be operational by 2026.
In addition, he also announced the return of the “Love Bus,” a government-run public utility bus service that will pilot in Cebu and Davao and offer free rides to the public. (PNA)
