The Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) has experienced a significant increase in ridership in 2023, according to a recent report. Transport Assistant Secretary for Railways, Jorjette Aquino, announced that MRT-3 served a total of 129,030,158 passengers last year, compared to 98,330,683 in 2022. This represents a 30 percent increase in ridership.
Aquino further highlighted that the average daily ridership also saw a significant rise of over 30 percent in 2023, with 357,198 passengers per day, compared to 273,141 in the previous year. These numbers demonstrate the growing reliance on the MRT-3 as a fast and dependable mode of transport.
One notable milestone for the MRT-3 was recorded on August 22, 2023, when a total of 450,298 people used the rapid transit line in a single day. This marked the highest single-day ridership since the MRT-3 began full operations in 2000. Additionally, the month of August saw the highest number of passengers, with a total of 11,618,005 riders.
The sustained increase in ridership continued throughout the year, with several months recording high numbers. In October, the MRT-3 served 11,596,392 passengers, followed by 11,394,480 in September, and 11,189,372 in December. Other months with notable ridership include March with 11,009,312 passengers, November with 10,982,341, and July with 10,878,445.
Aquino attributes the higher passenger rate to the effective maintenance program implemented by the company and the return of its staff to on-site work post-pandemic. The MRT-3 has become a reliable partner for commuters who have returned to on-site work in 2023 and require a fast and dependable mode of transportation.
Additionally, Aquino mentioned that travel time through the MRT-3’s 13 stations, from North Avenue to Taft Avenue, has significantly improved, now taking only 30 to 45 minutes. During peak hours, the headway is as low as 3.5 to 4 minutes, with 18 train sets operating along its 16.9-kilometer line. These improvements have contributed to the overall positive experience for passengers.
It is worth noting that the MRT-3 completed its massive rehabilitation in December 2021, which has played a crucial role in ensuring smoother operations and enhanced passenger experience. Furthermore, in May of this year, the Department of Transportation extended the MRT-3’s maintenance and rehabilitation contracts with Japanese firm Sumitomo. This extension will allow for the sustained effective upkeep of the system until 2025.
The increase in ridership for the MRT-3 in 2023 is a testament to the effectiveness of the company’s maintenance program and the trust placed in the system by commuters. With improved travel times and reliable service, the MRT-3 continues to serve as a vital transportation option for those who rely on it for their daily commute.
Source: The Manila Times
