In observance of the 47th National Disability Week from July 17 to 23, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. officially launched the 50-percent train fare discount to senior citizens and persons with disability (PWDs) at the Metro Rail Transit 3 (MRT-3) Santolan-Annapolis Station (Southbound) along EDSA, Quezon City on July 16, 2025.

Under this year’s theme, ‘Innovation for Inclusion: Building Inclusive Communities Together,’ the event aims to promote, uphold and celebrate the rights and dignity of all Filipinos, especially persons with disabilities.

A key highlight of the event is the announcement of the arrival of the Dalian train which is now commencing its commercial operation.

The Dalian trains, purchased in 2014 from the Chinese firm CCRC Dalian Co. and delivered in 2016, remained unused due to compatibility issues with the MRT-3 rail line. CCRC Dalian Co. has since modified and adjusted the trains to address compatibility issues at no cost to the Philippine Government, with a technical evaluation and audit conducted by the German firm TUV Rheinland. Before deployment, the trains underwent safety checks and compliance procedures carried out by Japan’s Sumitomo Corporation — MRT-3’s current maintenance provider — to ensure safety and proper utilization.

Once fully deployed, the 48 Dalian trains — each capable of carrying up to 1,200 passengers — are expected to significantly decongest MRT-3, which currently serves an average of 380,000 passengers daily. The new trains will reduce train intervals from 4 minutes to 2.5 minutes, thereby enhancing capacity and improving passenger experience.