By Author | Inquirer.net | August 15, 2015

The prototype for the new trains of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT-3) has arrived in Manila, the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) has said.

 DOTC said the prototype for the new trains arrived at the Manila International Container Terminal at around 1 a.m. on Friday.

“Prototype of the new MRT 3 coaches is now at the port of Manila. It will undergo importing procedures, and should be released in one week’s time,” Atty. Michael Sagcal, DOTC spokesman said.

DOTC said the prototype, which was shipped from Dalian, China, would be assembled by engineers from the Dalian Locomotive and Rolling Stock Company.

Sagcal said the static and dynamic testing of the brand new light rail vehicles (LRVs) is scheduled until November this year.

DOTC said that if the prototype syncs with the existing signaling, power and communications systems of the MRT-3, the brand new MRT-3 coaches would be delivered in tranches starting January 2016.

The government has ordered 48 new MRT-3 coaches, which amounts to more than P4 billion. IDL