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MRTC 3000 class

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The MRTC 3000 class or ČKD Tatra RT8D5M LRV is a first-generation class of high-floor uni-directional light rail vehicles built by Czech tram manufacturer ČKD Tatra. The LRVs are owned by Metro Rail Transit Corporation (MRTC), operated by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) thru DOTr MRT-3, and is currently used on the Manila MRT Line 3.

MRTC 3000 class
A three-car 3000 class train at the turnback siding of North Avenue station in June 2024
Train interior captured in December 2021
Stock typeLight rail vehicle
In service1999–present
ManufacturerČKD Tatra
DesignerPatrik Kotas (cs)
AssemblyPrague, Czech Republic
Family nameTatra KT8D5
Constructed1995 (prototype)
1997–1999
Entered serviceDecember 15, 1999; 24 years ago (1999-12-15)
Refurbished
  • 2008–2009
  • 2016–2017, 2019–2023
Number built73 vehicles and 1 prototype[1]
Number in service60 vehicles (20 sets)
Number scrapped1 prototype
Formation3 cars per trainset
Design codeRT8D5M
Fleet numbers3001–3073
Capacity1,182 passengers (222 seats)
OperatorsDepartment of Transportation
DepotsNorth Avenue
Lines served3 Line 3
Specifications
Car body constructionLow alloy high tensile steel (body shell)
Aluminum sheets (ceiling)
Train length95.16 m (312 ft 2+29⁄64 in)
Car length31.72 m (104 ft 13⁄16 in)
Width2.5 m (8 ft 2+27⁄64 in)
Height3.73 m (12 ft 2+27⁄32 in)
Floor height925 mm (3 ft 27⁄64 in)
Platform height900 mm (2 ft 11+7⁄16 in)
DoorsDouble-leaf plug-type; 5 per side
  • Width: 861 mm (34 in) at ends, 1,255 mm (49 in) at middle doors
  • Height: 1,900 mm (75 in)
Articulated sections3
Wheel diameter700–595 mm (28–23 in) (new–worn)
Wheelbase1.9 m (6 ft 2+51⁄64 in)
Maximum speed65 km/h (40 mph) (design)
60 km/h (37 mph) (service)
Weight46.8 t (103,000 lb)
Axle load9 t (20,000 lb)
Traction systemČKD Trakce TV14Z IGBT chopper
Traction motors8 × ČKD Trakce TE026A01-4 64.5 kW (86.5 hp) DC shunt-winding motor
(1 hour rating: 375 V 190 A 1946 rpm)
Power output
  • 516 kW (692 hp) (single LRV)
  • 1.55 MW (2,080 hp) (3-car train)
TransmissionCardan drive (7:42 gear ratio)
Acceleration1.03 m/s2 (3.4 ft/s2)
Deceleration1.01 m/s2 (3.3 ft/s2) (service)
1.58 m/s2 (5.2 ft/s2) (emergency)
Auxiliaries3 × 480 V AC 60 Hz static converter
2 × 24 V DC batteries
HVACThermo King roof-mounted air-conditioning
Electric system(s)750 V DC overhead catenary
Current collector(s)Faiveley single-arm pantograph
UIC classificationBo′+Bo′+Bo′+Bo′
BogiesInside-frame type
Minimum turning radius20 m (66 ft)
Braking system(s)Regenerative and rheostatic with discs and track brakes
Safety system(s)Alstom CITYFLO 250 fixed block with subsystems of EBICAB 900 ATP, EBI Screen 900 CTC, and EBI Lock 950 CBI
Coupling systemScharfenberg
Headlight typeLED lamp
SeatingLongitudinal
Track gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge
Notes/references
Sourced from [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10] unless otherwise noted.

ČKD Tatra RT8D5M LRVs were the last vehicles made by ČKD Tatra before it was taken over by Siemens.

Operational history

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Purchase and production

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Construction of the MRT Line 3 began in 1996 when the then-Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC; later the Department of Transportation) entered into a build-lease-transfer agreement with the Metro Rail Transit Corporation (MRTC). MRTC signed a contract with ČKD Tatra in 1997 to supply the trains.[11]

Aside from a prototype, 73 light rail cars are produced by ČKD in two batches; 49 were produced in 1998 and the other 24 were completed the following year.[12] The first train was flown into Manila via plane while the remaining trains were transported by sea.[13] The fleet also happens to be the last produced by ČKD before it was taken over by Siemens.[14]

Prototype RT8D5 0029

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In March 1995 the first three-car tram was tested in Prague under the number 0029 as a prototype.[1] It was a development of the Tatra KT8D5; 0029 retained its control, proportions, the front and rear sections, and unlike the later production vehicles, designed for bidirectional operation. Prototype 0029 remained in Prague and it was used in October to November 1998 together with the Tatra T5A5 prototype, tram no. 0013, and the T3 no. 6663 for various crash tests in the main workshop in Hostivař before being eventually scrapped.[15][16]

Refurbishments and upgrades

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All 73 light rail vehicles (LRV) were first refurbished from 2008 to 2009 by Sumitomo Corporation, its technical partner Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Engineering (MHIENG), and its subsidiary TES Philippines Inc. (TESP). The aging air-conditioning units of the trains since 1999 were replaced with new ones.[17] The interior and exterior of the trains were also refurbished.[18]

 
Train cars of the 3000 class with a BURI-refurbished light rail vehicle on the left (December 2021)

In 2016, Busan Universal Rail, Inc. (BURI) initiated the second overhaul of the trains. Forty-three light rail vehicles were to be overhauled as part of its three-year maintenance contract with the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC; later the Department of Transportation [DOTr]). The refurbished cars underwent a body repaint and installation of new air-conditioning units from Thermo King. However, DOTr terminated its contract with BURI on November 6, 2017, with only three vehicles refurbished.[19]

 
A 3000 class train car after its second refurbishment by Sumitomo (November 2021)

When Sumitomo, Mitsubishi, and TESP returned as the line's maintenance providers on May 1, 2019, they continued the second refurbishment of the trains. It consists of the installation of new choppers, traction motors, wheels, pantographs, new air conditioning units from Thermo King (a replacement program for the air conditioning units began as early as 2018); the repainting of the train's exteriors and interiors; and the fitting of new lighting installations throughout the trains.[20] SKD Trade, a. s., the company that produces spare parts for trains made by ČKD Tatra, became part of the overhaul project and provided spare parts.[21] On October 29, 2020, the first newly overhauled train underwent a test run at a speed of 50 kilometers per hour (31 mph).[22] Initially expected to be completed in May 2023, the refurbishment of all 72 light rail vehicles (LRVs) was completed three months ahead of schedule on February 2, 2023.[23]

120 new Thermo King air conditioning units were ordered for 40 LRVs.[24] The installation of the new air-conditioning units on all trains were completed on June 18, 2021.[25]

Four-car operations

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Since 2016, plans to operate in a four-car configuration from the current three were laid.[26] On March 9, 2022, a four-car 3000 class trainset underwent a dynamic test run on the main line for the first time.[27] Two four-car trains were deployed on March 28, subsequently increased to four.[28] Although full conversion was initially planned to be achieved by 2023,[29] all trains reverted to the existing 3-car configuration a few months after the months-long free rides ended.

Design

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A scale model drawing of the MRTC 3000 class in a 3-car formation

The LRV design is a one-way eight-axle motorized car consisting of three articulated cars, which are connected to each other by the joint and the cover.[30] The RT8D5M operates as built on the high-speed city rail system with high platforms and in tropical conditions.[3][14]

Car body

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The car body is made of low-alloy high-tensile steel, while the ceiling is made of aluminum sheets.[31]

Unlike the prototype 0029, these cars have rounded "foreheads" or beveled large windows at both ends.[15]

The trains wear a livery consisting of royal blue, red, and white. Under the "Metrostar Express" branding, the white portion contains the brand logo and lettering on the sides. However, since 2012, the branding has since been unused.[32] The trains also usually wore wrap ads—unlike the LRTA 1200 class which wear ads as a whole trainset, the 3000 class are seen to wear wrap ads per car.

Each light rail vehicle has three roof-mounted air-conditioning units manufactured by Thermo King. In total, there are nine air-conditioning units in a three-car train set.

LRV 044 used to have experimental exterior lights above the doors in 2017. However, the lights were removed when Sumitomo refurbished and renumbered LRV 044 as 3044 in 2021.

Interior

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Each train car has a capacity of 74 seated passengers and 320 standing passengers. Under crush loading conditions, each car can carry 394 commuters at any one time. A 3-car trainset can carry 1,182 passengers.[31] Seats are longitudinal-type.

Each car has five double leaf, electronically operated, plug-sliding doors. The three center doors have an open width of 1,255 mm (4 ft 1.4 in) while the two end doors at 861 mm (2 ft 9.9 in). The doors have a height of 1,900 mm (6 ft 3 in).

The Passenger Assist Railway Display System (PARDS), a passenger information system powered by LCD screens installed near the ceiling of the train that shows news, advertisements, current train location, arrivals and station layouts, are already installed inside the trains. However, as of 2022, the LCD screens remain switched off. PARDS is also installed on trains on LRT lines 1 and 2.[33]

  •  
    System map of the MRT-3 above the doors with two mounted lights below the map.
  •  
    The Passenger Assist Railway Display System LCD monitor screen inside the 3000 class.
  •  
    Builder's plate

Mechanical

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Each LRV has inside-frame bogies, consisting of four motorized bogies. The primary suspension is a steel spring and the secondary suspension is a wound-up steel spring.[34] Scharfenberg couplers are present in the ends of the light rail vehicles.

Electrical

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The electrical and traction systems of the RT8D5M trains are supplied by ČKD Trakce. The propulsion is controlled by choppers with IGBT thyristors.[35] The traction motors consist of eight DC series-wound/wave armature winding self ventilated motors. The traction motors have a Class H insulation class for the rotor and a Class F insulation class for the stator. The motors comply with IEC 349 standards. Each motor has a power output of 64.5 kilowatts (86.5 horsepower). The motors are rated with a voltage of 375 volts, a current of 190 amps, and a speed of 1946 revolutions per minute (rpm) with a maximum speed of 4350 rpm.[36][37]

Auxiliary power is sourced from 480-volt AC static converters and two 24-volt DC batteries.[38][3]

Signaling and safety equipment

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The trains are equipped with the EBICAB 900 Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system.[8] Some onboard signaling equipment consist of vehicle logic units (VLUs), driver panels, and antennas.[39] The original VLUs were manufactured by Bombardier Transportation (acquired by Alstom in 2021). The VLUs are the primary automatic safety devices for the trains.[40]

In 2017, it was revealed that the original VLUs were stolen and replaced with unauthorized parts.[41] An audit report by Bombardier Transportation showed that 99% of the trains were using fake parts.[42] According to the inventory conducted in all cars, the other cars were equipped with ABB, ABB Daimler-Benz or DaimlerChrysler-branded VLUs.[40]

The EBICAB 900 ATP system is integrated with the Alstom CITYFLO 250 signaling solution.

Train formation

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Each unidirectional light rail vehicle consists of three articulated cars.

Cars of 3000 class
Car designation A-car B-car C-car
Control cab      
Motor      
Pantograph      
Car length m 31.72
ft in 104 ft 13⁄16 in
Capacity Seated 74
Standing 320
Total 394

Incidents

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Passengers unloading from a 3000 class train in 2014 due to a service incident.
  • On November 3, 2012, a train from the Araneta Center-Cubao Station caught fire as it approached GMA-Kamuning Station, causing passengers to scramble to the exits, and having two women injured. The train caught fire due to electrical short-circuit technical failure.[43]
  • On March 26, 2014, at 10:50 am, a southbound train at Guadalupe Station suddenly stopped due to the train driver not observing the red light status at the Guadalupe Station and accelerated southbound without getting prior clearance from the Control Center, causing the automatic train protection system to activate the emergency brakes, resulting in 10 injuries.[44]
  • On August 13, 2014, a southbound train heading to Taft Avenue station derailed and overshot to the streets. The train first stopped after leaving Magallanes station due to a technical problem. Later on, the train broke down altogether, another train was used to push the stalled train. During this process, however, the first train got detached from the rails and overshot towards Taft Avenue, breaking the concrete barriers and falling to the street below. At least 38 people were injured. The accident was blamed on 2 train drivers and 2 control personnel for failing to follow the proper coordination procedures and protocol.[45][46] The A and B sections of the involved train car were loaded sideways onto two flatbed trucks, while the C section of the car was towed to the depot using a hi-rail truck. The train car is still stored at the line's depot in North Avenue as of June 2020.[47] There are currently no news about actions to be taken at the damaged trainset, and was noticeably excluded from train refurbishments.
  • On September 2, 2014, a train continued with one of its doors left open after a train door failed to close at the Guadalupe station. The passengers were then evacuated after the train arrived at Boni station.[48]
  • On September 18, 2017, at 6:00 am, a seat inside 3000 class LRV no. 066 caught fire at the Santolan-Annapolis station with no injuries reported.[49]
  • On November 16, 2017, at 11:30 am, at least 140 passengers were evacuated from a "detached train" coach between the railway lines of Buendia and Ayala Avenue Stations.[50]
  • On January 26, 2018, a train caught fire between the Araneta Center-Cubao and GMA-Kamuning stations. Partial operations were implemented, and the situation normalized at 2:46 pm.[51]
  • On August 7, 2018, an aircon leak caused "rain" inside a train and caused passengers inside to open their umbrellas. The train was removed from service to fix the air conditioning unit and the train involved in the incident returned to service the following day.[52]
  • On November 4, 2019, at 4:08 pm, a train suddenly emitted smoke while on the northbound track of the line. Around 530 passengers were unloaded. Around two hours after the incident, the operation of the line was back to normal.[53] The fire was caused by a short-circuit in the traction motor.[54]
  • On May 12, 2021, 3000 class LRV 015 was vandalized by an unidentified culprit near Taft Avenue station. Investigations were conducted and initial reports state that the culprit had cut the perimeter fence near Taft Avenue station, which may have caused the vandalism.[55] The vandalized train was cleaned and returned to service on May 18, 2021.[56]
  • On October 9, 2021, at 9:12 p.m., 3000 class LRV 032 caught fire near the Guadalupe station. A provisional service was implemented between North Avenue and Shaw Boulevard station, and the site of the incident was declared fire out at 9:51 p.m. As a result of the incident, 8 passengers sustained minor injuries.[57][58] Normal operations resumed the following day.[59]
  • On November 21, 2021, at 6:51 a.m., a window in a 3000 class LRV was damaged due to a stoning incident, injuring one passenger.[60] The suspect was later identified as a garbage collector and was subsequently arrested and charged.[61]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b SKD (2000). "Celkové dodávky tramvají v letech 1952 až 2000" [Total deliveries of trams in the years 1952 to 2000]. SKD. Archived from the original on October 4, 2008. Retrieved May 24, 2020.
  2. ^ "Tramcar RT8D5M Model Basic Features". skd.cz. Archived from the original on March 3, 2018. Retrieved October 31, 2020.
  3. ^ a b c SKD (2000). "Katalogový list tramvajového vozu RT8D5M" [Catalog sheet of tram car RT8D5M]. Archived from the original on December 12, 2009. Retrieved May 24, 2020.
  4. ^ DOTr-MRT Line 3. "About the MRT–3". dotcmrt3.gov.ph. GOV PH. Archived from the original on December 21, 2015. Retrieved May 24, 2020.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  5. ^ R. Vodička 2008, p. 13.
  6. ^ DOTC 2016, p. 4-6.
  7. ^ DOTC 2015, p. 64, 68.
  8. ^ a b DOTC 2013, p. 88.
  9. ^ DOTC 2013, p. 232.
  10. ^ 1993 CKD Tatra LRT-3 Ad. ČKD Tatra. 1993. Retrieved December 16, 2022.
  11. ^ "About". dotrmrt3.gov.ph. Retrieved October 24, 2021.
  12. ^ SKD (1999). "Dodávky tramvají v letech 1991-1999" [Tram deliveries in 1991–1999]. SKD. Archived from the original on May 24, 2020. Retrieved May 24, 2020.
  13. ^ Railway Technology (May 2, 2000). Manila Light Rail Extension operated by Metro Transit Corporation, Philippines (Report). Verdict Media Limited. Archived from the original on May 19, 2020. Retrieved May 24, 2020.
  14. ^ a b Pražské tramvaje (2001). "RT8D5M". prazketramvaje.cz. ISSN 1801-9994. Archived from the original on January 19, 2019. Retrieved May 24, 2020.
  15. ^ SKD (1997). Crash testy vozu RT8D5M ev.č.0029 "Manila" [Crash test documentation of RT8D5M prototype car 0029 for Manila] (Video) (in Czech). Prague, Czech Republic: Prazketramvaje. Retrieved May 24, 2020.
  16. ^ Pateña, Aerol John (August 8, 2018). "DOTr apologizes over MRT aircon leak". Philippine News Agency. Retrieved August 7, 2021. It said the ACUs were last replaced in 2008 as part of the system's first general overhaul eight years after it started operating in 2000.
  17. ^ Photo of MRT-3 ČKD Tatra RT8D5M light rail vehicle (LRV) being refurbished during the first round of general overhaul works under Sumitomo-TESP between years 2008 and 2009. July 22, 2021. Retrieved November 8, 2021.
  18. ^ Orellana, Faye (January 25, 2018). "DOTr blames former maintenance provider BURI for MRT-3 woes". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved August 7, 2021.
  19. ^ Mercurio, Richmond (May 2, 2019). "MRT-3 rehab underway with return of Sumitomo". The Philippine Star. Retrieved February 26, 2021.
  20. ^ "CZECH REPUBLIC - PARTNER FOR MRT 3 IMPROVEMENT". Facebook. September 7, 2021.
  21. ^ Dela Cruz, Raymond Carl (October 29, 2020). "MRT-3 conducts test runs on overhauled train at 50 kph". Philippine News Agency. Retrieved November 8, 2021.
  22. ^ Abadilla, Emmie V. (February 3, 2023). "MRT-3 completes overhaul of coaches". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved February 3, 2023.
  23. ^ Rodriguez, Mia (January 2, 2020). "Get Ready for a Chiller MRT-3 Ride in 2020". spot.ph. Retrieved January 9, 2022.
  24. ^ Rosales, Clara (June 18, 2021). "MRT-3 Rides Grow Cooler As All Trains Get New Aircon Units". reportr.world. Retrieved January 9, 2022.
  25. ^ DOTC 2016, p. 50.
  26. ^ Dela Cruz, Raymond Carl (March 11, 2022). "MRT eyes 4-car train setup after successful 'dynamic testing'". Philippine News Agency. Retrieved March 28, 2022.
  27. ^ Recuenco, Aaron (March 28, 2022). "MRT-3 starts month-long free ride, deploys 4-car train set". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved March 28, 2022.
  28. ^ Manahan, Job (March 29, 2022). "MRT-3 eyes 4-car configuration for all trains next year: official". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved June 8, 2024.
  29. ^ "Tatra RT8D5 (In Czech)". Czech Trams. Archived from the original on February 26, 2018. Retrieved February 25, 2018.
  30. ^ a b DOTC 2016, p. 6.
  31. ^ MRT-3 Brands Through the Years. July 28, 2021. Retrieved April 5, 2022.
  32. ^ "Passenger information system to be installed in LRT, MRT". BusinessWorld. March 27, 2019. Retrieved December 12, 2020.
  33. ^ DOTC 2016, p. 5.
  34. ^ DOTC 2016, p. 4.
  35. ^ DOTC 2015, p. 66.
  36. ^ DOTC 2015, p. 68.
  37. ^ DOTC 2013, p. 85.
  38. ^ DOTC 2013, p. 249.
  39. ^ a b Garcia, Patrick; Quismorio, Ellson (January 29, 2018). "Nograles wants deeper probe on VLU mess after MRT 3 fire". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved January 18, 2022.
  40. ^ Marcelo, Patrizia Paola C. (September 21, 2017). "Busan Rail files graft case vs DoTR official". BusinessWorld. Retrieved January 18, 2022.
  41. ^ "Tugade, DOTr refuse to reveal Bombardier report showing 99% of MRT-3 trains using fake parts: Kaya pala MRTirik araw-araw!". Politiko. January 28, 2018. Retrieved January 18, 2022.
  42. ^ Geronimo, Gian (November 3, 2012). "MRT train coach catches fire near Kamuning Station". GMA News Online. Retrieved September 6, 2019.
  43. ^ Fernandez, Amanda (March 26, 2014). "10 passengers hurt as MRT train makes sudden stop". GMA News Online. Retrieved November 21, 2021.
  44. ^ Pineda, Mj Lising (August 13, 2014). "MRT-3 Gets Derailed". Buhaykolehiyo. Archived from the original on October 25, 2014.
  45. ^ Camus, Miguel R. (August 19, 2014). "DOTC: Human error blamed for MRT-3 train accident; 4 train workers face raps". Inquirer.net. Retrieved June 6, 2020.
  46. ^ Photo of LRV 003 at North Avenue depot. June 18, 2020. Retrieved April 5, 2022.
  47. ^ Hegina, Aries Joseph (September 3, 2014). "MRT train continues run with one of its doors open". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved November 30, 2021.
  48. ^ "MRT operations temporarily stopped after seat catches fire". Rappler. September 18, 2017. Retrieved November 5, 2021.
  49. ^ Lagrimas, Nicole-Anne (November 16, 2017). "Up to 140 riders evacuated from 'detached train'". GMA News Online. Retrieved November 16, 2017.
  50. ^ "MRT emits smoke – again". Rappler. January 26, 2018. Retrieved January 18, 2022.
  51. ^ Rey, Aika (August 8, 2018). "Aircon leak causes 'rain' inside MRT3". Rappler. Retrieved July 8, 2021.
  52. ^ Galvez, Daphne (November 4, 2019). "MRT-3 resumes normal ops from North to Taft stations after train emits smoke". Inquirer.net. Retrieved January 17, 2022.
  53. ^ de Guzman, Robie (November 7, 2019). "MRT-3 says train smoke emission due to short circuit in traction motor". UNTV News. Retrieved January 17, 2022.
  54. ^ Manabat, Jacque (May 13, 2021). "MRT management looking for witnesses after train vandalism". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved May 13, 2021.
  55. ^ "Malinis na at napapatakbo na sa mainline ang isang train car o bagon ng MRT-3 na matatandaang ginawan ng bandalismo noong ika-12 ng Mayo 2021". Facebook. Retrieved May 25, 2021.
  56. ^ JUST IN: Bagon ng MRT-3 malapit sa Guadalupe station (NB), nagliyab (16:9) (Facebook Watch). GMA News. October 9, 2021. Retrieved October 9, 2021.
  57. ^ Fernandez, Daniza (October 10, 2021). "MRT-3 fire injures 8 passengers". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved October 10, 2021.
  58. ^ Montemayor, Ma. Teresa (October 10, 2021). "MRT-3 resumes full operation after fire". Philippine News Agency. Retrieved October 10, 2021.
  59. ^ "One hurt after unidentified suspect hurls stone at MRT3 train coach". GMA News and Public Affairs. November 21, 2021. Retrieved November 21, 2021.
  60. ^ "Suspek sa pambabato sa MRT3 na ikinasugat ng 1 pasahero, arestado". GMA News (in Filipino). November 21, 2021. Retrieved November 21, 2021.

Further reading

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