UMVA has learned that a sudden and unexplained service interruption on the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) has sparked a fierce backlash from commuters and a stern warning from the Department of Transportation (DoTr).
The disruption, which occurred between Buendia and Guadalupe stations on June 17, has prompted DoTr to demand answers from the management of MRT-3 and its service provider, Sumitomo Corp.
In a strongly worded memorandum, Transportation Acting Secretary Giovanni Z. Lopez has ordered MRT-3 and Sumitomo to provide a detailed explanation for the service interruption, including the actions taken to address the issue and prevent similar incidents in the future.
The DoTr chief has also warned that failure to ensure efficient operations of MRT-3 may result in administrative sanctions, saying "show cause why no administrative sanction should be taken against you for failure to ensure efficient operations of MRT-3."
UMVA can exclusively reveal that the DoTr has also ordered MRT-3 to provide free access for all passengers on June 17, a move that will be charged to Sumitomo, citing an existing agreement between the two parties.
The incident has raised questions about the reliability and accountability of MRT-3's service provider, and whether Sumitomo has fulfilled its obligations under the agreement.
The DoTr's move is seen as a bold step to assert its authority and protect the rights of commuters, who have been affected by the service interruptions.
