MRT-3 operations from Shaw to Taft halted

"You can reach me by railway, you can reach me by trailway..." goes the popular love song "Get Here," but Manila lovers will have to find other ways to get to their loved ones this Valentine's Day, as the Metrostar Express Line 3 (MRT-3) temporarily ceased operations from Shaw Central Station in Mandaluyong City to the Taft Avenue Terminal Station in Pasay at around 6:40 am on Sunday. "We were told that there was a communication signaling problem," an MRT station supervisor, who did not wish to be named, told GMANews.TV in a phone interview. Fortunately, operations continue as usual from the Shaw Central Station to the North Avenue Terminal station in Quezon City, giving commuters a way to avoid traffic in the Santolan area due to the Metro Manila Development Authority’s road re-blocking along the Northbound lane of EDSA. The MMDA roadwork for cement curing has affected North-bound traffic since it was started at around 10 pm on Friday. The re-blocking specifically affects the innermost lanes of the thoroughfare perpendicular to Main Avenue and Florida Street, but will not pose a problem tomorrow, according to an MMDA employee. "It will be passable starting Monday," said Manuel Rocamora of the MMDA Production office. GMANews.TV tried to contact the MRT office, but a recorded message said "There are no operators available to take your call." Commuters who planned on riding the train at Buendia station this morning were met with disappointment as the handwritten sign informing them of the inconvenience was placed at the gate to the turnstiles, and not at the bottom of the stairs. "No operations today due to technical difficulties," read the sign. As of posting time, it was unknown when the MRT-3 would resume normal operations. "There is still no advisory when it will resume," the MRT supervisor said. The MRT Passenger Assistance Office may be contacted at 9295347 local 2800, and the MMDA Hotline is 136. — NPA, GMANews.TV