MRT-3 deploys first Dalian train

The Metro Rail Transit-3 (MRT-3) is set to deploy its first China-made Dalian train today, 15 October for a limited run.

One Dalian train which is equivalent to three train coaches, will hit the MRT-3 tracks two hours every night from 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Sumitomo Corporation-Mitsubishi Heavy Industries – TES Philippines, the Japanese maintenance provider of MRT-3, gave its greenlight for the deployment of the train set yesterday, 14 October.

The said consent also indicates that the train set will be deployed for an initial trial period lasting up to when the maintenance provider begins its rail replacement works in November 2019.

The train management added that discussions are ongoing between officials from the DOTr MRT-3, Sumitomo Corporation, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries regarding the technical considerations, especially when rail replacement works ramp up in the next few months.

The Japan International Cooperation Agency has also given its concurrence to the Dalian Trains Agreement with Sumitomo.

Three Dalian trains sets have already completed the necessary commissioning and validation tests including the 150-hour run.

Each Dalian train set has a three-car configuration that can carry 1,050 passengers per trip.