People enjoy a ride at the MRT-3 Love Train on February 8, 2024. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News

Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon on Tuesday expressed openness to the possibility of extending the operating hours of the major train lines in Metro Manila such as the Light Rail Transit (LRT) systems, as well as the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) Line 3.

During a press conference in San Juan, Dizon said he will speak with the different train management and maintenance teams about this soon, adding that he also plans to commute using the rail lines for himself just like he did in the Edsa Bus Carousel.

“We need to demand longer hours. Of course, the issue is going to be maintenance so I’m going to have to talk to the one who’s maintaining this, and see what’s wrong,” he said.

The LRT 1 and 2, as well as the MRT-3, have their last trips at around 9pm to 10pm. But they usually extend up to before midnight during the holiday season.

The previous DOTr administration previously said permanently extending their operating hours is not feasible as it may compromise the maintenance time of the rail systems which could lead to safety issues.

But with Dizon coming in, he said he we will consider all options to make the commuting public’s experience easier.

“Why can’t we go until midnight? Let’s see kung kayang midnight. Why can’t we do it until 2am?” said Dizon.

“I understand we have to maintain it. We don’t want trains stopping again like in the past but we always have to find a way to push the envelope a little bit and this is also for passenger welfare,” he added.