President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to accelerate the inspection and necessary adjustments of the remaining unused Dalian trains from China, paving the way for their immediate deployment to benefit the Filipino commuting public significantly.
The President’s directive underscores his administration’s commitment to improving public transportation and ensuring that government assets are fully utilized for the welfare of the people.
In a press briefing at Malacañang on Thursday, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro stated, “The President has instructed the DOTr to further expedite the inspection of the remaining Dalian trains so they can be used as soon as possible.”
President Marcos also mandated the DOTr to conduct regular and thorough maintenance work on LRT-1, LRT-2, and MRT-3 lines. This proactive measure aims to prevent service disruptions, enhance operational efficiency, and, most importantly, ensure the safety and convenience of all passengers.
The announcement follows President Marcos’s declaration on July 16 that the Dalian trains, purchased from China in 2014, have finally entered service after more than a decade in storage. “The government bought these trains in 2014, but they were not utilized by the public. Our experts have now found a way to make them operational and usable,” Castro explained. She added, “The potential of the Dalian trains was wasted during previous administrations, so the President prioritized their repair for our countrymen.”
On July 16, President Marcos personally led the inaugural trip of the Dalian train at the Santolan–Anapolis MRT station, expressing his satisfaction with this long-overdue progress. The Dalian trains, named after their city of manufacture in China, had previously remained unused due to technical compatibility issues with local rail systems.
Furthermore, the Chief Executive ordered continued improvements in train stations, including ensuring that all escalators and elevators are in good working condition to avoid public inconvenience and enhance accessibility for commuters.
This decisive action by President Marcos signals a new era for the country’s railway system, promising a more efficient, reliable, and comfortable commuting experience for millions of Filipinos.
