I just wanted to post this news bit here to spread the news. You might want to let your friends and family know about this as well, especially if they work long hours (call center agents, IT support, etc.) In an announcement made by the management of the MRT, they said that they will try a 24-hour operation period starting June 1. This is in response to the growing BPO/Call Center industry wherein a lot of workers start commuting past 10PM. I personally think that this is a good move by the management. People who will avail of this service will end up paying less versus taxi fare and they also get more security. Complete details of the program after the break.
From Inquirer.net:
MANILA, Philippines – Metro Manila commuters using the Metro Rail Transit (MRT 3) system will no longer have to join the early evening rush going home starting June 1.
The management of MRT 3 announced yesterday that it would be “experimenting” with 24-hour operations in time for the opening of classes on June 1.
MRT 3 general manager Reynaldo I. Berroya said the 24-hour operations would be in place seven days a week.
Earlier, the MRT 3 said in a statement that the extended hours were primarily aimed at serving call center agents and other workers in the BPO (business process outsourcing) sector in support of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s promise to help the industry.
Metro Manila commuters who often get stranded during typhoons, including students, are also seen to benefit.
Berroya, who is also assistant secretary at the Department of Transportation and Communications, said that surveys revealed that most call center agents would leave their offices at around midnight and at 4 a.m.
“At this period, most buses and jeepneys are in their garages already, and most call center agents have to wait long time for the resumption of their operation,” Berroya said.
The MRT 3 management said the facilities and trains would be secured by security guards.
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as much as i wanna see our rail systems going 24 hours, i think it’s bad news. these systems weren’t designed to handle 24 hours operation. granted, there would probably be less people utilizing the train, the current overloading during day time already stresses the system.
hopefully they also upgrade their maintenance on the trains, there have been refurbished cars on the tracks, but what they really need are new cars.
Lugi naman ang MRT…ang laki ng subsidy na binibigay ng gov’t…mas lalong lalaki ang subsidy ngayon dahil 24/7 na. Hindi na dapat pumasok ang gov’t sa mga BOT kung magbibigay ng garantiya sa mga loan at kita ng mga investor…masyadong dehado ang gov’t sa mga kontratang ito.
Pero…sa tingin ko…meron wisdom yung kautusan ni dating Pres. Estrada na ibaba ang singil sa MRT para marami ang maka-afford. Dati kasi ay halos walang sumasakay sa MRT dahil sa sobrang mahal ng pamasahe rito. Ngayon…ang dami nang sumasakay sa MRT dahil binabaan na yung singil.