A dual-mode capacity expansion strategy targeting both rail and bus networks took effect Monday as transportation authorities move to head off severe holiday season commuter congestion.
Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon ordered the immediate deployment of three additional trains on the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3), expanding the system’s operational fleet, which currently runs between 16 and 19 train sets daily along the North Avenue to Taft Avenue corridor.
The fleet extension will add daily passenger capacity by 6,000 riders to absorb seasonal travel spikes on top of the railway’s baseline daily volume of approximately 500,000 commuters.
“I am adding three trains to the MRT-3, starting today. I will coordinate with the MRT-3 management regarding the upcoming holiday season,” Dizon said.
Recognizing that rail additions alone will not fully resolve peak capacity demands, Dizon signaled further technical interventions.
“However, this is still not enough. I will discuss further improvements with our Japanese partners,” he added.
Parallel to rail expansion, the Department of Transportation is accelerating upgrades across road-based transit infrastructure along Metro Manila’s main thoroughfare.
Inspecting the upgraded Guadalupe Busway station, Dizon noted that structural enhancements have widened pedestrian areas and improved lighting for waiting passengers.
“Commuters are the priority for a smoother daily commute. They deserve a better experience,” Dizon said.
He noted that construction remains ongoing for the final 12 remaining busway stations slated for completion under the ongoing EDSA Busway Project.
Dizon stated that the busway enhancement works are being executed in tandem with civil works along EDSA, which include sidewalk construction and expanded pedestrian zones to improve accessibility.
Full upgrading of the EDSA Busway system is expected next year.
The joint transit initiative, supported by the DPWH and MMDA, comes after total annual ridership on the EDSA Busway expanded to 66,669,287 passengers in 2025, up from 63,022,953 recorded in 2024.