Busier MRT-3 ahead as ridership expected to increase to 149 million

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January 5, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — The Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3), the busiest public transport in Metro Manila, is expected to become busier in 2026, with projections showing a ridership of nearly 149 million.

MRT-3 general manager Michael Capati said he is optimistic the railway would increase ridership by as much as five percent this year due to the sustained demand for quicker modes of transport in the metro.

He said MRT-3 management is looking to deploy 48 China-made Dalian trains before the year ends to augment car supply and meet the additional demand.

“We are looking at a (ridership) increase of three to five percent for 2026. The target is to deploy 48 trains by the end of the year,” Capati told The STAR.

MRT-3 increased its total ridership by four percent to 141.63 million last year, from 135.89 million in 2024. This translated to a daily ridership of roughly 388,000, staying on as the busiest railway in Metro Manila.

Further, MRT-3 gave out free rides through programs of the Department of Transportation to 3.32 million commuters, 1.18 million of which were issued during the Christmas season.

On top of this, MRT-3 contributed to the adoption of digital payment in mass transit, having facilitated 3.74 million entries through cashless mode since its launch in July 2025.

Capati said MRT-3 management is dedicated to improving the commuting experience on the railway, especially as it expects more passengers this year.

For 2026, MRT-3 will incorporate more Dalian trains on the track once management gets approval from the maintenance provider. The China-made Dalian units were purchased in 2016, but were left unused due to compatibility issues.