Transportation Acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez has ordered the implementation of measures to prevent severe congestion on Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) platforms.
The directive comes after severe overcrowding at an MRT-3 platform on Monday went viral on social media.
According to the MRT-3, the incident occurred around 7:25 a.m. when boarding passengers were allowed onto the platform despite existing congestion, causing overcrowding as additional passengers arrived.
“We fully understand the discomfort and safety concerns this has caused and take responsibility for the situation,” the MRT management said in a statement Wednesday.
MRT personnel are now intensifying monitoring and coordination to improve crowd management and ensure a safer, more orderly commute, particularly during peak hours.
In addition, the MRT-3 will install walkthrough metal detectors at the northbound and southbound entrances of North Avenue, Quezon Avenue, and GMA-Kamuning stations.
“Layunin ng mga kagamitang ito na masiguro ang kaligtasan ng bawat komyuter sa pamamagitan ng mas maagang pagtukoy sa anumang banta o ipinagbabawal na gamit bago makapasok sa platform,” the management said.
The walkthrough metal detectors are planned to be installed at all MRT-3 stations in the future to enhance passenger safety without disrupting the flow of commuters.