Press Release
September 8, 2015

Nancy to DOTC: Hasten safety, compatibility checks on MRT prototype coach

Senator Nancy Binay today urged the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) to begin its safety and compatibility assessments on the prototype coaches of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) and prevent delays in the delivery of the new coaches.

Upon inspecting the prototype coach for the MRT, the lady senator noted that it would still take months before the public can ride the 48 new coaches that the government ordered from China.

"The prototype still needs to be assessed to make sure that it is safe for use and compatible to the existing MRT line. The sooner the checks can be done, the better for Metro Manila residents who are suffering everyday because of the worsening traffic issues," said Binay, who earlier filed Senate Resolution No. 840 which called for an investigation into the frequent malfunction of the MRT.

"Mas maaga po nating makita ang mga dapat baguhin sa prototype, mas maaga po nating maipapadala ang ating mga obserbasyong ito sa supplier upang agad nilang mabuo ang mga bagong bagon," she further said.

Binay believes that an efficient mass transport system will help rid Metro Manila of its persistent traffic woes and now that a prototype of the new coaches has arrived, the government must not waste time and begin its assessment.

But the DOTC has earlier said that it would take months to test the prototype for safety and compatibility. At this rate, the agency estimates the delivery of the new coaches to take place during the first quarter of 2016.

"What happens if the prototype does not pass the assessment? How long will the commuters have to wait until they are provided with a safe and efficient mass transport system?" Binay asked.

"Sana naman ay maging seryoso ang DOTC 'pag dating sa isyung ito. At sana po sa susunod na bumisita ang Senate Subcommittee on Public Services upang mag-ocular inspection ay umaandar na ang bagon para makita kung ligtas ito at tugma sa existing na sistema ng MRT," the senator said.

The DOTC has long been receiving flak for its failure to fix issues with Metro Manila's train systems, particularly the long lines passengers continue to endure as well as the constant glitches encountered everyday.

"Aksyunan po natin ito agad upang sa lalong madaling panahon ay maibigay na natin sa ating mamamayan ang ligtas at mahusay na serbisyo ng mga tren sa Maynila," Binay urged.

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