The Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) on Wednesday vowed to improve its services following the surprise inspection of Transportation Sec. Jaime Bautista.

“We assure [Bautista] that the MRT-3 will continuously work on the areas for improvement that he has identified to better serve the needs of all our passengers,” the MRT-3 said in a statement.

Following the inspection, Bautista reported his observations and recommendations.

Among others, he said the MRT-3 has clean restrooms and ample water supply but also needed upgrades such as platform seats for the elderly, persons with disabilities, and pregnant women, and other improvements in safety and efficiency.

On Monday, Bautista took a trip at the MRT-3 from GMA Kamuning Station to Taft Avenue Station incognito and without the usual entourage on Monday to inspect the rail line and interact with its passengers.

He said passengers expressed their desire to continue riding the MRT-3 despite the end of its free ride program, noting that the “discomfort” of long lines was offset by a “fast and comfortable ride.”

Bautista also reported his surprise inspection of the MRT-3 during the first Cabinet meeting of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

“The MRT-3 management, on behalf of all the hardworking employees of the rail line, affirms its commitment to Sec. Bautista’s vision of a safe, affordable, accessible, and comfortable public transportation,” the MRT-3 said. (PNA)