Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) General Manager Michael Jose Capati has reassured passengers that there are no immediate plans to increase fares, even as the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1) is set to implement higher rates starting April 2.
During an interview with Super Radyo dzBB, Capati confirmed that the MRT-3 currently has no discussions or proposals for a fare adjustment.
“There are no scheduled fare hikes at the moment, and we are not considering any rate increases for now,” he stated.
Capati recently returned as the head of MRT-3 after the departure of his predecessor, Oscar Bongon, who was removed from his position in March following an escalator malfunction at Taft Avenue Station. Having previously served as MRT-3’s operations director for five years before taking on the general manager role in 2022, Capati was officially reappointed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on March 26 and took his oath before Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon on March 31.
Prioritizing Passenger Safety and Trust
In light of recent technical issues affecting MRT-3, Capati emphasized the importance of maintenance to restore commuter confidence.
“One of our key focus areas is ensuring proper maintenance because we do not want incidents like what happened at Taft Avenue Station to occur again. These issues should not happen,” he stressed.
On March 8, an escalator at Taft Avenue Station malfunctioned, causing injuries to at least ten passengers. According to the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the primary chain of the escalator broke, leading to the unfortunate incident.
Strengthening Maintenance and Operations
Capati announced plans to meet with MRT-3’s maintenance provider, Sumitomo Corporation, to review current protocols and identify necessary improvements.
“I will personally assess our maintenance program to determine if adjustments or upgrades are needed. Since I was away for over two years, I need to evaluate any changes that have been made and address any concerns,” he explained.
He also emphasized the need for passengers to witness consistent upkeep of MRT-3 facilities, such as escalators and elevators, to restore public trust in the system.
“We must rebuild commuter confidence by ensuring they see our maintenance efforts happening regularly and on schedule. This includes escalators, elevators, and other station amenities,” he added.
Improving Passenger Experience
To further enhance commuter satisfaction, Capati revealed plans to conduct training seminars for MRT-3 station and security personnel. These sessions aim to reinforce proper conduct and professionalism when assisting passengers.
With MRT-3 focusing on safety, efficiency, and passenger trust, Capati’s leadership aims to ensure a smoother and more reliable transit experience for daily commuters.
