MANILA, Philippines — The Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) will continue its extended weekday operating hours indefinitely following a two-week pilot run, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) announced.

In a statement, it said the decision comes after “positive feedback” from commuters and a directive from DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon aimed at easing travel for passengers, particularly those working late shifts.

From March 24 to April 4, the MRT-3 reported serving 61,004 additional passengers during the extended hours. Of these, 29,530 were recorded from March 24 to 28, and 31,474 from March 31 to April 4.

Under the extended schedule, the last train departing North Avenue Station will continue to operate until 10:30 p.m., while the final trip from Taft Avenue Station will leave at 11:09 p.m.—an hour later than the previous schedule.

To further improve rush hour service, the MRT-3 will also maintain the deployment of an additional train set during peak hours. The move is expected to ease congestion and accommodate more passengers.