In a move that could benefit thousands of Filipino workers, especially those in the BPO industry, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) has greenlit the extension of night operations for Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3), which runs along Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue (EDSA). Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon announced the change following his inspection of various MRT-3 stations, emphasizing the need to serve commuters who work beyond the typical 9 to 5 schedule.
With traffic on EDSA persisting well into the night, the MRT-3’s extension aims to provide a faster, more reliable commuting option. According to Dizon in an interview with Radyo 630, “Ang hirap naman kung wala silang masasakyan kasi kahit ngayong gabing-gabi, may traffic pa rin po sa EDSA. So, mas mabuti pong mag-extend na tayo ng oras.” (It’s difficult if they don’t have any transportation since even when it’s late at night, the traffic in EDSA remains heavy. So, it’s best to extend hours.)
What’s Changing?
As of now, the MRT-3’s last northbound train to North Avenue departs at 9:30 p.m. daily, while the last southbound train from Taft Avenue departs at:
- 10:11 p.m. on weekdays
- 10:08 p.m. on Saturdays
- 10:09 p.m. on Sundays and holidays
The DOTr is eyeing at least a one-hour extension to these times, which could begin as early as next week. They are also exploring the possibility of starting morning operations 30 minutes earlier.
More Trains, More Efficiency
Alongside extended hours, more train wagons will be deployed to ease passenger congestion. However, officials emphasized that maintenance remains crucial, with operators needing five to six hours daily to ensure safe and efficient service.
Unannounced inspections also revealed issues such as inadequate lighting and poor sanitation in some stations. The MRT-3’s General Manager has been replaced as part of the department’s push for accountability and immediate action.
What This Means for the Workforce
The extension of MRT-3 hours will prove helpful for employees in non-traditional work shifts, particularly in sectors such as:
- Business Process Outsourcing (BPO)
- Retail & Hospitality
- Healthcare
- Security Services
In the BPO industry alone, more than 1.82 million Filipinos are employed, many of whom work night shifts to align with global time zones. Similarly, healthcare workers, security personnel, and hospitality staff often clock in during late hours, underscoring the importance of accessible and reliable nighttime transportation.
Thanks to more reliable transportation, companies can now count on improved employee punctuality and morale. For workers, this means shorter commutes, reduced costs, and safer travel at night, making BPO a promising industry for Filipinos looking for work.
How to Get to Reliasourcing via MRT-3
Headed to the BGC Office?
Reliasourcing’s BGC office is easily accessible via the MRT-3. Here’s how to get there:
- Ride the MRT-3 southbound and alight at Ayala Station.
- From Ayala, take the West Route BGC Bus from the terminal in front of Zus Coffee.
- Depending on your drop-off preference, get off at The Fort Bus Stop or Arya Residences.
- The Reliasourcing BGC office is a short walk from there!
Going to the Double Dragon Office?
Our Double Dragon location is just as accessible:
- Take the MRT-3 southbound and alight at Taft Avenue Station.
- From there, walk to the LRT-1 EDSA Station and head down the footbridge.
- Take a short jeepney ride to Double Dragon Plaza headed to SM Mall of Asia.
- Get off at the footbridge in front of Double Dragon Plaza.
- The Reliasourcing office is at the heart of this bustling commercial area.
You may also try different means of transportation:
- Ride the MRT-3 southbound and alight at Ayala Station.
- From Ayala, ride the southbound EDSA Carousel Bus.
- Alight at the footbridge in front of Double Dragon Plaza.
- The office is just a short walk away from there.
Moving Forward: More Than Just a Train Ride
The initiative testifies to the government’s recognition of the modern Filipino worker’s needs. With longer operating hours and added train capacity, MRT-3 continues to enable economic productivity, safety, and convenience.
For businesses like Reliasourcing, it’s a strategic win: helping our staff get to work safely without the stress of endless traffic. And for commuters, it’s one more reason to believe that progress is, quite literally, on track.
About Reliasourcing
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