MRT 3 adds the first dalian train to the regular line

NEW ADDITION The MRT 3 deploys its 19th operational train, one of the 18 newer trains purchased by the previous administration. Photo provided

After months of intensive testing to ensure its use, the first Dalian train took the track on Saturday morning to mark the gradual addition of China-built trains to the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) 3 fleet.

The train was one of 18 (each consisting of three light rail vehicles) purchased for £ 3.2 billion by the Aquino administration, which since 2015 had accumulated dust at the MRT depot 3 in because of compatibility issues.

These included determining whether new trains manufactured by CRRC Dalian Co. Ltd. were within the limits of the maximum weight that the tracks could carry.

His maiden voyage took place after three years of efforts on the part of the Ministry of Transport to save the multibillion dollar deal as the public was in a hurry to solve the problems faced by the deterioration of the MRT system 3 mounted.

Battery of tests

Under Secretary of Transport, TJ Batan, told reporters that the only Dalian train was the first to complete the necessary battery of tests before deployment.

This includes traveling at least 1,000 kilometers and undergoing basic functional testing to ensure public safety, he said.

The new train would be deployed during off-peak hours and weekends to supplement the average of 15 trains that normally operate every day.

As Dalian trains are expected to be deployed during this quarter, MRT 3 could maintain at least 15 operational trains, with Sumitomo commencing its 43-month rehabilitation and overhaul of the entire train system. from November.

But it may take a long time before the other 15 Dalian trains enter the track, Batan said. To begin with, only 11 light rail vehicles traveled the 1,000 km traveled, which can only be done between 22 hours. and 5 hours

Fewer trains

Batan said that transport officials had asked Sumitomo to keep the number of trains running to 15, easing fears of the rehabilitation work lasting several months would result in a reduction in the number of trains.

The 18 Dalian trains were independently audited by TUV Rheinland, which found them generally usable, despite several deviations from the terms of reference of their purchase.

The full report has not yet been made public, although Batan discussed several of the findings of the audit on Saturday.

The audit found that even though Dalian trains were 3.3 tonnes more than the required 46.4 tonnes, this had "no impact on the safety of passenger operations".

On the other hand, the total weight of the train, which measures its load at a crushing capacity of eight persons per square meter, was 10 tonnes below the axle load limit.

The audit also revealed that its signaling system was also safe for commercial use.

However, the DOTr still has not completely solved compatibility issues, such as fitting a freight elevator and an underfloor wheel drive for new trains.

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