MRT-3 Suspends Old Policy on Hand-Carried Luggage After Backlash
Future guidelines will consider "the comfort and welfare of passengers."
(SPOT.ph) Just two days after sparking commuter outrage on social media, the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) has officially suspended its old policy that prohibited hand-carried luggage exceeding two feet by two feet in size.
In a statement on April 4, MRT-3 General Manager Michael Capati said the decision was made following the directive of Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon. The suspension takes effect immediately, meaning passengers can once again bring luggage on the MRT-3 without being denied entry.
Originally, the regulation was meant to prevent bulky items from taking up space inside train cars that could otherwise be used by other riders.
No timeline has been given for the revised policy, but Capati has promised that future guidelines will take into account “the comfort and welfare of passengers.”
Also read: MRT-3 Extends Operating Hours by At Least One Hour
Prohibited items on the MRT-3
The policy isn’t actually new— it had been in place as early as 2018. However, it wasn’t until the MRT-3 reshared the advisory on Facebook that it drew backlash from commuters.
Many commenters called out the now-suspended MRT-3 luggage policy as anti-commuter, saying it failed to consider the realities of people who rely on public transportation. Others questioned the logic of restricting luggage instead of expanding train capacity, arguing that banning larger bags wouldn’t solve congestion—adding more trains would.
“Wag naman ganito, kaliit po ng 2x2ft! Maraming pasaherong may kargo na umaasa sa public transport,” one commenter wrote. “Halatang de-kotse ang gumagawa ng polisiya, hindi nauunawaan ang pangangailangan ng mga biyaherong tunay na umaasa sa public transport.”
Other prohibited items on the MRT-3 include open drinks, elongated items over five feet, unfolded bikes with large wheels, sharp or blunt weapons, flammable and toxic substances, inflated balloons, and foul-smelling food unless sealed.
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