THE Department of Transportation (DoTr) deployed on Wednesday the third of 16 train sets ordered from CRRC Dalian Co. for use in the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3).
After successfully completing its commissioning test that required it to run problem-free for 1,000 kilometers, the new Dalian train is now undergoing its 150-hour validation testing on the MRT-3 line, the DoTr said in a statement.
“The train set will serve MRT-3 commuters from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., starting today until Feb. 1,” it said.
DoTr Director for Communications Goddes Hope O. Libiran said in early January that an evaluation report after the validation testing must first be produced before a Dalian train may be added to the regular train sets serving the line.
“After validation testing, PNR (Philippine National Railways) shall come up with an evaluation report re: Dalian trains. If PNR endorses that the train set be allowed to run regularly at the MRT-3 mainline, MRT-3 will sign an acceptance document,” she told reporters on Jan. 7.
The PNR has been assigned by the DoTr to conduct the simulation runs of the Dalian trains to ensure every unit’s preparedness to join revenue service at the MRT-3. Since last year, two Dalian trains have so far been deployed: the first on Oct. 27 and the second on Dec. 11.
The Dalian trains are the train sets procured in 2014 by the previous administration but held back from deployment because of compatibility issues.
Last year, the Philippine government arrived at an agreement with CRRC Dalian to make the necessary adjustments on the train sets free of charge. — Denise A. Valdez
