By: Charles Nikko Limon

Starting this week, the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) has extended its weekday operating hours by one hour, benefiting thousands of commuters who rely on the train system for daily transportation.

Additional trains will also be deployed during peak hours to ease passenger congestion.

Millions of Filipinos depend on MRT-3 to get to work, school, or home.

Among them is Mae Garcia, a business process outsourcing (BPO) employee, who welcomed the extended hours.

“This will accommodate more passengers compared to private cars, which serve only a few people,” Garcia said.

Previously, the last northbound trip was at 10:23 p.m., while the southbound train departed at 9:41 p.m.

With the new schedule, the last southbound trip now leaves at 10:40 p.m., while the northbound train departs at 11:23 p.m.

According to Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon, the extended hours will not affect the maintenance of MRT-3 trains.

“There will be adjustments on the weekend since there are no work and school operations,” Dizon explained.

Aside from longer operating hours, additional trains will run during rush hours to reduce congestion.

Meanwhile, the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1) has also extended its weekday operations by 30 minutes.

The last train from Dr. Santos Station now departs at 10:30 p.m., while the final trip from Fernando Poe Jr. Station is at 10:45 p.m.