MRT-3 asks commuters to embrace new normal

The Metro Rail Transit-3 (MRT-3) administration has called on commuters to embrace the new normal when it resumes operations by June 1.

Director for Operations of the MRT-3 Michael Capati said commuters will be required to wear face masks inside the trains and while queuing outside and inside the train stations.

Capati added that social distancing measures will be implemented. This may lead to long queues in every station and a limit in the number of passengers being allowed on the trains.

“Dapat may social distancing sa baba sa pila at sa platform at sa loob ng tren – ibig sabihin rin nito ay sa dating 1,200 na passenger capacity per train ay magiging 153 na lamang,” Capati said.

The MRT-3 will also deploy train marshalls, security guards and other employees to enforce social distancing measures and other health protocols inside the train stations.

Capati said the new normal in MRT-3 operations is in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) for mass transportation systems.

Capati emphasized that commuters can expect the trains to be faster since MRT-3 personnel conducted maintenance and rehabilitation on the train system during the two-month lockdown in Metro Manila.

Capati reiterated that the MRT-3 will prohibit passengers who are 21 years old and below, pregnant women and elderly from using the trains as stated under the IATF guidelines.