Long lines of passengers at the MRT Shaw Boulevard station in Mandaluyong City. - PDI file photo
MANILA: Metro Rail Transit-3 (MRT-3) on Friday (April 4) suspended its policy against carrying heavy luggage on its trains.
This directive comes following the order of Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon.
Pending a review, luggage exceeding two feet by two feet will now be allowed.
On Thursday, Dizon questioned MRT-3’s policy, stressing that the rail service “should not make the lives of commuters even more difficult.”
“In response to Department of Transportation – Philippines (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon’s instructions, MRT-3 General Manager Michael Capati ordered the suspension of the old policy on bringing hand-carry luggage inside the train,” the rail management said in a statement.
Capati also said he would review the policy again “to ensure the comfort and welfare of commuters.”
He added that people’s “input are always considered in crafting policy decisions.”
MRT 3’s previous reiteration of its policy on not allowing luggage exceeding its designated limit earned the ire of the people.
The train’s management tried to justify the policy by saying that bigger luggage could occupy space inside its wagons, eating up the space that could be used by other passengers.
However, Filipinos on social media criticised the rule, which they deemed as one that aggravates the plight of passengers.
“This is anti-commuter. What if I want to save money and lessen emissions when going to the airport? Please reconsider,” a social media user pleaded to the MRT 3 officials on Facebook on Wednesday.
“It’s not like everyone brings big [luggage] daily,” the person pointed out.
“Not to mention, the stations themselves are not luggage-friendly to begin with,” the media user lamented.
Another Facebook user noted that MRT-3 is in close proximity to major transport hubs that link Metro Manila to provinces, and the transportation lines will soon be integrated through the construction of rail projects.
The FB user is referring to the North-South Commuter Railway and the Metro Manila Subway.
“Both train systems will serve two major airports, the Clark International Airport and NAIA (Ninoy Aquino International Airport),” the user said.
“Wouldn’t your baggage policy contradict [the] DOTr’s mission of providing a safe and efficient experience for all commuters?” the person asked. - Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN
