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MRTC 3100 class

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MRTC 3100 class
A 3100 Class (8MLB) train approaching Ortigas station in July 2025
Train interior in July 2025
Stock typeLight rail vehicle
In serviceLimited service:
2016
2018–2019
2020–2021
2022
Full operations:
2025–present
ManufacturerCRRC Dalian
AssemblyDalian, China
Constructed2015–2017
Entered serviceMay 7, 2016; 9 years ago (2016-05-07)[a]
Number built48 vehicles (16 sets)
Number in service3 vehicles (1 set)
Formation3 cars per trainset
Design code8MLB
Fleet numbers3101–3148
Capacity394 per car
1,182 total passengers
OperatorsDepartment of Transportation
DepotsNorth Avenue
Lines served3 Line 3
Specifications
Car body constructionStainless steel
Train length95.16 m (312 ft 2+2964 in)
Car length31.72 m (104 ft 1316 in)
Width2.5 m (8 ft 2+2764 in)
Height3.73 m (12 ft 2+2732 in)
Floor height925 mm (3 ft 2764 in)
Platform height900 mm (2 ft 11+716 in)
DoorsDouble-leaf plug-type; 5 per side
  • Width: 861 mm (34 in) at ends, 1,255 mm (49 in) at middle doors
  • Height: 1,900 mm (75 in)
Articulated sections3
Wheel diameter700–595 mm (28–23 in) (new–worn)
Wheelbase1.9 m (6 ft 2+5164 in)
Maximum speed65 km/h (40 mph) (design)
60 km/h (37 mph) (service)
Weight49.7 t (110,000 lb)
Axle load9.4 t (21,000 lb)[6]
Steep gradient4–5%
Traction systemVoith IGBTVVVF
Traction motors4 × Traktionssysteme Austria TMR 36-28-4 120 kW (160 hp) 3-phase AC induction motor
(1 hour rating: 477 V 186 A 2379 rpm)[7]
Power output
  • 480 kW (640 hp) per car
  • 1.44 MW (1,930 hp) (3 cars)
TransmissionQuill drive
Acceleration1.03 m/s2 (3.4 ft/s2)
Deceleration1.1 m/s2 (3.6 ft/s2) (service)
1.5 m/s2 (4.9 ft/s2) (emergency)
AuxiliariesStatic converter
HVACRoof-mounted duct-type air-conditioning
Electric system(s)750 V DC overhead catenary
Current collector(s)Single-arm pantograph
UIC classificationBo′+2′+2′+Bo′
BogiesInside frame-type
Minimum turning radius25 m (82 ft)
Braking system(s)Knorr-Bremse[8] regenerative and rheostatic
Safety system(s)Alstom CITYFLO 250 fixed block with subsystems of EBICAB 900 ATP, EBI Screen 900 CTC, and EBI Lock 950 CBI
Coupling systemScharfenberg
Headlight typeLED lamp
SeatingLongitudinal
Track gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8+12 in) standard gauge
Notes/references
Sourced from [9][10][11] unless otherwise noted.

The MRTC 3100 class or CRRC Dalian 8MLB LRV is the class of second-generation uni-directional light rail vehicles (LRVs) built by CNR Dalian (later CRRC Dalian). Owned by the Philippine government and operated by the Department of Transportation (DOTr), these are used on Line 3 of the Manila Metro Rail Transit System since 2016.

The trains were involved in legal issues and numerous controversies owing to its weight and incompatibility with the existing system, which the Metro Rail Transit Corporation (MRTC) raised that same year.[12] The trains remained idle as these issues persisted, but in 2018, limited deployment commenced.[1] It was repeatedly pulled from service and deployed erratically between 2019 and 2022, before being revived for regular operations in 2025.[5][13]

Operational history

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Background and purchase

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With the ridership of the Line 3 already peaking at almost half of its 350,000 original daily capacity, there have been calls to purchase additional trains as early as 2008.[14] Initially, in February 2013, the government was looking at buying 52 second-hand trains from Madrid Metro and Inekon Trams to immediately augment the problem,[15][16] but after evaluation, the plan was dropped in June due to less advantageous timelines for delivery and higher maintenance costs.[17]

The first of three contracts of the Line 3 capacity expansion project, which involves the procurement of 48 light rail vehicles,[18] was opened for bidding on February 22, 2013.[17] Among the firms that tendered were CSR Zhuzhou Electric Locomotive (later CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive) and CNR Dalian Locomotive & Rolling Stock (later CRRC Dalian). CSR Zhuzhou was disqualified by the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC; later the Department of Transportation). CNR Dalian was the only firm left in the bidding process, and the firm was awarded the 3.8 billion contract on January 16, 2014.[19][20][21]

Production and initial commissioning

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The first prototype, LRV 3101, arrived at the Port of Manila on August 14, 2015,[22] and was assembled at LRT Line 1's Baclaran Depot on September 3.[23] It was then hauled to Line 3's North Avenue Depot, where it arrived on September 5.[24] CNR Dalian delivered all 48 train vehicles from 2016 to 2017, with some trains assembled at Taft Avenue station using a temporary track extension, and at Line 1's Baclaran Depot.

The first train was scheduled to enter revenue service at the end of March 2016 but delays in its 5,000-kilometer (3,100 mi) test run had delayed its deployment.[25][26][27]

Nevertheless, these were deployed for the first time on May 7, 2016.[28]

On March 15, 2017, the Transportation Undersecretary for Railways, Cesar Chavez, said that the 3100 class trains could not be used until 2018 due to lack of signaling equipment and the necessary infrastructure upgrades needed to run the trains.[29] On April 25, Chavez announced another delay, pushing back full deployment to 2020.[30]

Limited deployments

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On October 27, 2018, the 3100 class trains officially entered service after numerous tests and audits, with the deployment of the first train on the same day for 150-hour validation testing until November 21.[1] The second trainset was deployed from December 11 to 23,[31] and the third was deployed from January 23 to February 1, 2019, and in March.[32][33] The validation tests were conducted by the Philippine National Railways and Toshiba Infrastructure Systems.[34][35]

The 3100 class trains were subsequently pulled out of service and later stayed idle. In May 2019, Sumitomo Corporation took over as MRT Line 3's maintenance provider. Under its contract with the Department of Transportation (DOTr), it prohibits the use of the Dalian trains; if not, Sumitomo imposes penalties to the DOTr.[36] Both parties later signed a consent for its limited deployment in the evening, which commenced on October 15, 2019.[2] Initially ending by the end of the month, the DOTr extended through November to further evaluate its performance,[37] and through December to cater more passengers for the Christmas season.[38]

On June 1, 2020, the DOTr deployed three Dalian train sets. These remained in service until May 25, 2021.[3] After a ten-month hiatus, one of the trainsets returned to revenue service on March 28, 2022, before being idled again.[4]

In September 2024, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) aimed to deploy the trains on the MRT-3 line by the middle of 2025.[39]

Full deployment

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On July 16, 2025, President Bongbong Marcos led the fifth redeployment of the Dalian trains, with one trainset deployed during the weekday peak hours.[5] Marcos also ordered the DOTr to expedite further inspections and adjustments to the unused trains.[40] Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon later confirmed in a media interview that two additional 3-car train sets, which have also completed previous tests, are also set to be deployed on the mainline within the next few weeks, while the remaining 39 other train cars are aimed to be fully operational by 2026.[41]

Design

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Car body

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The car body is made of stainless steel with a livery of sky blue and yellow fascia. Dimensions are nearly the same to the RT8D5M, which are also built for single-ended operations. It is connected by a Jacobs bogie and a gangway in each railcar section. The LRV design is a one-way eight-axle motorized car consisting of three articulated cars, which are connected to each other by the joint and the cover.[9]

Each light rail vehicle has three roof-mounted air-conditioning units. In total, there are nine air-conditioning units in a three-car train set.

Interior

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Each railcar is provided with five double leaf, electronically operated, plug-sliding doors. The three center doors have an open width of 1,255 millimeters (4 ft 1.4 in) while the two end doors at 861 millimeters (2 ft 9.9 in).[11]

Each train car has a capacity of 394 passengers. A 3-car trainset can accommodate 1,182 passengers.[6] Two wheelchair-compatible spaces are provided beside the driver cab of each LRV, each provided with seatbelts to prevent the wheelchair from moving around while the train is in motion. The sides of the doors are equipped with fire extinguishers. The trains also have an equipped passenger emergency alarm button in case of an emergency.[42]

Mechanical and electrical

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Each LRV has four bogies consisting of two motorized bogies at the ends of the LRV and two trailer bogies under the articulations. Unlike the RT8D5M trains, the bogies do not feature track brakes. Scharfenberg couplers manufactured by Voith are present in each vehicle.[10]

Traction is powered through an IGBTVVVF inverter control manufactured by Voith, and two controllers are installed per vehicle. The traction motor is a three-phase induction motor (totally enclosed/self-ventilated type) manufactured by Traktionssysteme Austria, model TMR 36-28-4, and is combined with Voith quill drive unit.[7][10] The traction equipment includes two Voith EmCon I1000-9AU traction inverters with 350 kVA continuous power in each that drives the traction motors, one auxiliary converter, and a VPort IO control unit.[10]

The traction motor of the overhauled LRTA 1100 class trains are also manufactured by Voith, and both trains produces identical acceleration sounds.

Train formation

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Each unidirectional light rail vehicle consists of three articulated cars.

Cars of 3100 class
Car designation A-car B-car C-car
Control cab Yes No No
Motor Yes No Yes
VVVF inverter Yes No Yes
Auxiliary converter No Yes No
Pantograph Yes No No
Car length m 31.72
ft in 104 ft 1316 in
Capacity Seated 74
Standing 320
Total 394

Issues and controversies

[edit]
[edit]

Shortly after the contract was awarded, the Metro Rail Transit Corporation (MRTC)—the private owner of the MRT-3—accused the DOTC of violating its build-lease-transfer (BLT) agreement with the MRTC. A Regional Trial Court in Makati issued a temporary restraining order on January 30, halting the acquisition process.[43] Under the BLT agreement, MRTC was assigned the preferential right to purchase new trains, and MRTC can only lose this right if it breaches its obligations under the BLT agreement or consents to the use of trains not provided by MRTC but by the DOTC. In this case, however, DOTC chose to bid out the contract without MRTC's permission. [44]

The court dismissed the case on February 21, citing a law which states that the Supreme Court could only stop infrastructure projects by the national government.[45] MRTC subsequently sent its case to the Court of Appeals (CA), which also sided with the DOTC.[46] MRTC appealed again, resulting in another failure.[47]

On October 14, 2022, the Supreme Court denied MRTC's appeal for injunction to prevent the DOTr from procuring the new trains, thereby permitting their utilization as pursuant to the existing contract.[48]

Safety concerns

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Early on, the DOTC reportedly planned to redo the bidding process while it was reviewing CNR Dalian's capability. According to an unnamed DOTC official who doubted CNR's capability, the firm has no track record of designing and manufacturing light rail vehicles (as its portfolio comprises primarily of locomotives),[44] a claim later backed by the MRTC in January 2016. MRTC, through its chairman Robert Sobrepeña, also claimed that the trains did not undergo a 5,000-kilometer (3,100 mi) test run in China before the shipment to the Philippines.[12]

In 2017, Transportation Undersecretary for Railways Cesar Chavez admitted that the 3100 class trains lacked sufficient signaling equipment, causing a delay in its deployment.[29] By February 2018, only 29 out of 48 trains were installed with on-board automatic train protection (ATP) system equipment.[49] In 2019, Bombardier Transportation certified the onboard signaling systems of the trains.[50] By the end of 2022, only nine out of the 48 light rail vehicles (LRV) were provisionally accepted for regular operations, while the remaining 39 were yet to undergo testing and commissioning.[51]

Weight issues

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The tare weight of the trains exceeded the 46.3-tonne (102,000 lb) requirement by 3.4 tonnes (7,500 lb), weighing 49.7 tonnes (110,000 lb).[52][53] Rolf Bieri, a consultant with former maintenance provider Comm Builders & Technology Philippines (CB&T), said in a Senate hearing on February 20, 2018, that the trains are within the allowable specifications set by the DOTr. Bieri explained that the 49.7-metric-ton (110,000 lb) weight of each light rail vehicle had to be divided by the eight axles. The axle load was later revealed at 9.4 metric tons (21,000 lb), which is within the allowed specifications between 8.5 and 10 metric tons (19,000 and 22,000 lb).[6] An audit from TÜV Rheinland revealed that the trains' weight under fully loaded conditions complied with the specification limit.[50]

Resolution

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On August 30, 2018, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade announced that CRRC Dalian would shoulder all costs to fix the 3100 class trains.[54][55] Due to the Dalian trains undergoing the said adjustments, they are now slowly being introduced into revenue runs since October 2018.[1]

Incidents

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  • On December 16, 2020, at 7:20 PM, a 3100 class train arriving at Boni station stopped due to a technical glitch.[56] Partial operations between North Avenue and Shaw Boulevard stations were implemented, and around 3,500 commuters were affected. Normal operations resumed the following day.[57][58]

See also

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Notes

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  1. ^ Re-entered service on October 27, 2018 (6 years ago) (2018-10-27),[1] October 15, 2019 (5 years ago) (2019-10-15),[2] June 1, 2020 (5 years ago) (2020-06-01),[3] March 28, 2022 (3 years ago) (2022-03-28),[4] and July 16, 2025 (5 days ago) (2025-07-16).[5]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d Talabong, Rambo (October 27, 2018). "After years of delay, DOTr begins adding Dalian trains to MRT3". Rappler. Retrieved February 18, 2019.
  2. ^ a b de Guzman, Robie (October 15, 2019). "First set of Dalian trains to hit MRT-3 tracks Tuesday". UNTV News and Rescue. Archived from the original on November 8, 2021. Retrieved November 8, 2021.
  3. ^ a b "MRT to have 4 additional trains on Monday, train speed also to get boost: DOTr". ABS-CBN News. May 31, 2020. Retrieved November 8, 2021.
  4. ^ a b Luna, Franco (March 29, 2022). "MRT-3 deploys 4-car, 3-car train sets simultaneously". The Philippine Star. Retrieved May 2, 2022.
  5. ^ a b c Esguerra, Darryl John. "Dalian trains finally hit MRT-3 tracks after 10-year wait – Marcos". Philippine News Agency. Retrieved July 16, 2025.
  6. ^ a b c "China-made trains within 'allowable' weight for MRT: consultant". ABS-CBN News. February 20, 2018. Retrieved January 3, 2022.
  7. ^ a b "Voith LRV for Manila MRT3". Traktionssysteme Austria. Archived from the original on January 8, 2022. Retrieved January 8, 2022.
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  9. ^ a b "菲律宾马尼拉3号线车辆". CRRC Dalian (in Chinese). Archived from the original on July 29, 2017.
  10. ^ a b c d "Electric traction system High-floor LRV Manila MRT3 Metro Rail Transit Corporation" (PDF). Voith.com. Voith. Archived from the original on July 14, 2021. Retrieved May 28, 2020.
  11. ^ a b Department of Transportation and Communications (2013). Design and/or Supply and Delivery of Forty-Eight (48) Light Rail Vehicles with On-board Communication System (Radio, Public Address, Intercom), On-board ATP System and One (1) Unit Train Simulator (PDF) (Report). Archived from the original (PDF) on December 22, 2021. Retrieved December 22, 2021.
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  29. ^ a b Ilas, Joyce (March 16, 2017). "48 new MRT-3 coaches cannot be used until next year - DOTr exec". CNN Philippines. Archived from the original on March 15, 2017. Retrieved April 12, 2022.
  30. ^ Bondoc, Marlly Rome (April 25, 2017). "New light rail vehicles for MRT-3 to remain unused for next three years". GMA News. Retrieved December 27, 2021.
  31. ^ Pateña, Aerol John (December 12, 2018). "MRT deploys 2nd Dalian train set". Philippine News Agency. Retrieved November 8, 2021.
  32. ^ Pelayo, Marje (January 23, 2019). "3rd set of Dalian trains hits track". UNTV News and Rescue. Archived from the original on November 28, 2021. Retrieved November 8, 2021.
  33. ^ Manabat, Jacque (March 11, 2019). "MRT tests third train from China's Dalian". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved December 27, 2021.
  34. ^ Rey, Aika (September 11, 2018). "Dalian MRT3 trains test run in October". Rappler. Retrieved December 27, 2021.
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  37. ^ Cabico, Gaea Katreena (October 31, 2019). "Trial run of Dalian train extended until end of November". Philstar.com. Retrieved July 18, 2025.
  38. ^ Villanueva, Ralph Edwin (December 1, 2019). "MRT to extend Dalian trains' running time". The Philippine Star. Retrieved July 18, 2025.
  39. ^ Taguines, Andrea (September 5, 2024). "DOTr aims to deploy MRT-3 Dalian trains by mid-2025". ABS-CBN News.
  40. ^ "PBBM orders DOTr to expedite inspection of Dalian trains, improvements in LRT-1, -2, and MRT-3 stations". Philippine News Agency. July 17, 2025. Retrieved July 18, 2025.
  41. ^ Manabat, Johnson (July 21, 2025). "6 more Dalian train sets to be operational in next few weeks: DOTr". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved July 21, 2025.
  42. ^ Gadget Addict (April 15, 2019). Dalian Trains for MRT3 (16:9 1080p). YouTube (video). Retrieved January 8, 2022.
  43. ^ "Court stops DOTC's purchase of MRT trains". Rappler. February 4, 2014. Retrieved December 22, 2021.
  44. ^ a b Chanco, Boo (February 7, 2014). "Told you so, DOTC!". The Philippine Star. Retrieved July 18, 2025.
  45. ^ Agcaoili, Lawrence (February 25, 2014). "MRT-3 to get new trains – DOTC". The Philippine Star. Retrieved December 22, 2021.
  46. ^ Gomez, Zyrile (July 28, 2015). "DOTC to MRT private owner: Drop case vs. new train cars". CNN Philippines. Archived from the original on August 15, 2015. Retrieved December 22, 2021.
  47. ^ Merueñas, Mark (July 27, 2016). "CA backs Makati court's refusal to stop MRT expansion project". GMA News. Retrieved July 18, 2025.
  48. ^ "SC junks plea for injunction of MRT operators vs DOTr - BusinessMirror". BusinessMirror. October 17, 2022.
  49. ^ Santos, Jamil Joseph (February 3, 2018). "Koko demands P3.8-B refund from Dalian, blacklisting of MRT3 supplier". GMA News. Retrieved December 27, 2021.
  50. ^ a b Dela Cruz, Raymond Carl (October 17, 2019). "Dalian trains getting good feedback: MRT-3". Philippine News Agency. Retrieved May 30, 2022.
  51. ^ Marcelo, Elizabeth (July 18, 2023). "COA: P3.7 billion Dalian trains remain idle". The Philippine Star.
  52. ^ Bondoc, Jarius (July 27, 2017). "Overweight Dalian trains will crush MRT-3 tracks". The Philippine Star. Retrieved December 22, 2021.
  53. ^ Lagrimas, Nicole-Anne C. (October 10, 2017). "Poe grills transport execs; JV says trains bought from China apparently too heavy for MRT-3 tracks". GMA News. Retrieved December 27, 2021.
  54. ^ "Dalian to pay cost of adjustments of unused MRT3 trains —Tugade". GMA News Online. July 8, 2018. Retrieved December 22, 2021.
  55. ^ Rey, Aika (August 30, 2018). "Chinese firm Dalian agrees to pay all costs to fix unused MRT3 trains". Rappler. Retrieved December 22, 2021.
  56. ^ Dalian train stops at Boni station, December 16, 2020, retrieved November 8, 2021[self-published]
  57. ^ Dominguez-Cargullo, Dona (December 17, 2020). "Mahigit 3,500 na pasahero naapektuhan ng service interruption ng MRT-3 kagabi". Radyo Inquirer (in Filipino). Retrieved March 23, 2021.
  58. ^ Dela Cruz, Raymond Carl (December 17, 2020). "MRT-3 back to full ops after 'technical glitch'". Philippine News Agency. Retrieved March 23, 2021.
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