The proposed MRT prototype may be too dangerous for the riding public
The implementation of higher fare rates for the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) six months ago has done nothing to improve the train system’s quality of service so far. MRT commuters still face the same problems every day – long lines just to get inside the train as well as overcrowded trips. Of course, that is still better than the alternative which is to endure being stuck in three-hour long traffic jams.
One solution being forwarded by the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) is the acquisition of prototype MRT-3 trains later this year. Doing so can be risky to public safety.
By definition a PROTOTYPE is a first or preliminary (a sample) from which other units are developed or copied after test results or findings (good and bad) was properly addressed or modification successfully done. A PROTOTYPE can hinder or cause more problems, rather than improve our mass transportation system because of the following:
(1) MRT prototypes may contain hidden assumptions which might surface too late.
(2) obtaining performance feedbacks, records and test results of long term use is not possible and rarely done;
(3) prototypes cause public attention to focus on displays (how it look- itsura) and other surface features (palamuti) of TRAINS or COACHES, not on the more important matters or difficult problems of how it function & actual performance.
“There is a real risk that the trains from China might not be compatible with the existing system. We will know only when a prototype arrives next year
There have been reports, such as in Taiwan and Chicago, of train parts imported from China having been found to be “internally defective and potentially dangerous … that could break and lead to a derailment.
If the prototype turns out to be problematic and if the DOTC insists on the purchase, we may be left holding 48 unsafe rail cars or there may be another delay of a couple of years in the expansion or upgrading of the MRT system.” PhilStar
Ang MRT train ay matagal ng na-imbento kaya Baket hinde bumili ng subok na matibay at matagal nang garantisando ng ibang Bansa?
Pwede pa sana kung yung prototype ay gawa dito sa atin. Para mapag-aralan natin at tayo na lang ang gumawa at hinde umaasa sa ibang Bansa at makamura.
Pero kung bibilhin lang din sa Dalian, China at pag-aaralan lang din ng mga Tsino ang pag-gawa ng PROTOTYPE dahil hinde sila Experts dito ay isang malaking kabobohan na naman ng DOTC.
www.philstar.com/opinion/2014/09/21/1371480/dotc-chopping-mrt-costly-idea?nomobile=1
a PROTOTYPE is acceptable if:
1. FREE of CHARGE,
2. NO OBLIGATION to purchase the Prototype or test unit.
3. NOBODY is COMMITTED to AWARD the Whole Project.
Why RUSH or IMMEDIATELY award project? if we are not sure of high quality or durability? train performance are not yet fully tested? and public safety/interest are well protected?
“The Philippines Department of Transportation and Communications (DoTC) has awarded a contract worth CNY540 million to China-based CNR Dalian Locomotive and Rolling Stock Company (CNR Dalian) to supply 12 four-car metro train sets for the existing 16.9-km long Metro Rail Transit 3 (MRT-3) in Manila. The first train set is scheduled to be delivered by end-2015. The trains will be air-conditioned, have stainless-steel body and operate at maximum speed of 65 km/hr.
(1 CNY [Chinese Yuan] = 0.16 USD)”
http://www.globalmasstransit.net/archive.php?id=16556
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