Manila Metro Rail Transit System Information
The Metrostar Express or simply known as MRT-3, the Manila Metro Rail Transit System, faces a similar dilemma to the LRT. It has characteristics of both a light rail system and a rapid transit system. This 16.9 km network is the busiest of the three metro lines in Manila, Philippines. It reached a record daily ridership of 650,000 passengers between 2012 and 20133. It was the second line to open before LRT 2 in 1999. It runs on only 1 line and serves a total of 13 stations. Although the Metro Rail Transit Corporation owns this metro system, it is operated by the Ministry of Transport and Communications.
Manila Metro Rail Transit System Map
Map of Manila Metro Rail Transit System showing different lines and stations. Click on the map to enlarge it or download the Manila Metro map in PDF format.
Manila Metro Rail Transit System Lines
The line MRT-3 offers service between North Avenue and Taft Avenue. The line interchanges with MRT-2 network and also get interchanged with the LRT-1 network. It operates at a speed of 60-65 km/hr. The names of the 13 stations it serves along its route are:
- North Avenue
- Quezon Avenue
- GMA Kamuning
- Cubao
- Santolan-Anapolis
- Ortigas
- Shaw Boulevard
- Boni Avenue
- Guadalupe
- Buendia
- Ayala
- Magallanes
- Taft Avenue
Manila Metro Rail Transit System Hours
The metro starts at 4:30 and runs every day until 22:30. However, the frequency of the trains varies depending on the day and time of day. On weekday mornings between 4:30-6:30, trains arrive every 4.5-7 minutes. During peak hours (6.30-9.30am, 16.30-19.30pm) the frequency is 4 minutes. At off-peak times, the frequency again varies between 4.5 and 7 minutes, depending on the time of day.
On Saturdays the interval between trains is 5.5 minutes and on Sundays it is 7.5 minutes.
Manila Metro Rail Transit System Fares
Fares on MRT-3 are distance based. The minimum fare is 10 pesos and the maximum fare is 15 pesos, depending on the distance. For the first three stations, the fare is 10 pesos. For 4-5 stations the fare is 11 pesos, for 6-8 stations 12 pesos, for 9-11 stations 14 pesos and for 12 stations and above 15 pesos.
Passengers can buy single tickets, the price of which varies according to the distance travelled. These tickets are valid on the day of issue. Another option is the stored value ticket/card, which can be purchased for 100 pesos and can be used for multiple journeys. This ticket can be used for three months after the first validation.
Senior citizens and persons with disabilities are eligible for discounts on tickets.
The DOTC now plans to introduce automatic fare collection and smart card systems. The Group AF Consortium will develop this system for the Metro.
Manila Metro Rail Transit System Parking
Some stations in MRT-3 offer park and ride facilities for metro passengers.
Manila Metro Rail Transit System Rules
Smoking, eating and drinking are prohibited on trains and on platforms at all stations. The carrying of flammable materials, explosives and weapons is strictly prohibited. Luggage is checked at stations. Passengers are also checked by station security officers using metal detectors. All stations are equipped with CCTV cameras for 24-hour surveillance. Pets are not allowed on the metro. Photography is not allowed on the platforms.