MRT-3 is an urban rail line serving commuters along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue in Metro Manila. Officially known as Metro Rail Transit Line 3, it connects North Avenue in Quezon City with Taft Avenue in Pasay City through major residential, commercial, business, and transport districts.
The line is administered and operated by the Department of Transportation through DOTr-MRT3. Its 13 stations provide connections to buses, jeepneys, taxis, ride-hailing services, shopping centers, offices, and other railway lines across the metropolitan area.
Contact Information
| Information | Details |
| Official Name | Metro Rail Transit Line 3 |
| Common Names | MRT-3, Metro Rail Transit 3 |
| Category | Urban Rapid Transit Line |
| Operator | Department of Transportation – MRT-3 |
| Depot Office | MRT-3 Depot, EDSA corner North Avenue, Barangay Bagong Pag-asa, Quezon City, Philippines |
| Telephone | +63 2 8929 5347 local 2303 |
| Email Address | feedback@dotrmrt3.gov.ph |
| Website | www.dotrmrt3.gov.ph |
| Route | North Avenue Station to Taft Avenue Station |
| Number of Stations | 13 |
| Route Length | Approximately 16.9 kilometers |
| Service Area | Quezon City, Pasig, Mandaluyong, Makati, and Pasay |
Overview
MRT-3 runs along the central section of EDSA and serves one of Metro Manila’s busiest travel corridors. Its stations are North Avenue, Quezon Avenue, GMA–Kamuning, Araneta Center–Cubao, Santolan–Annapolis, Ortigas, Shaw Boulevard, Boni, Guadalupe, Buendia, Ayala, Magallanes, and Taft Avenue.
Stations contain ticketing areas, entry and exit gates, passenger platforms, security screening points, information signs, and access to surrounding roads and transport services. Elevators, escalators, toilets, and other facilities are available at selected locations, although availability may vary.
The line supports daily travel between northern and southern Metro Manila and provides access to business districts, government offices, schools, shopping centers, hospitals, and transport terminals. Passengers can transfer to LRT-1 through the connection between Taft Avenue and EDSA stations and reach LRT-2 through the Cubao station area.
Stations and Passenger Facilities
MRT-3 operates 13 elevated stations along EDSA. Each station contains ticketing areas, automatic fare gates, security screening points, platforms, passenger signs, and access to surrounding roads and transport services.
Selected stations provide elevators, escalators, toilets, nursing areas, priority lanes, and facilities for passengers requiring additional assistance. Availability may differ by station because of maintenance, repairs, or operating conditions.
Transfers to Other Railway Lines
Passengers can transfer between MRT-3 Taft Avenue Station and LRT-1 EDSA Station through the connecting walkway. The stations have separate fare systems, so passengers must exit one line and enter the other using a new fare transaction.
MRT-3 Araneta Center–Cubao Station is located near LRT-2 Araneta Center–Cubao Station. The transfer requires passengers to leave the MRT-3 station and walk through the surrounding commercial area before entering LRT-2.
Tickets and Fare Payment
Passengers may purchase a Single Journey Ticket for one trip or use a stored-value beep card. Ticket vending machines and ticket counters are available at stations, although accepted coins, banknotes, and payment methods may differ by machine.
Contactless bank cards, compatible mobile devices, and QR-based payment methods may be accepted at designated cashless gates. Passengers should follow station signs and confirm which gates support their preferred payment method.
Passenger Discounts
Qualified students, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities may receive statutory or government-approved fare discounts. Passengers must present the required identification or use an eligible personalized fare card when applicable.
Operating Services
Trains operate daily between North Avenue and Taft Avenue. Train frequency and service intervals vary according to passenger demand, available train sets, maintenance work, special schedules, and operating conditions.
First- and last-train times may change during holidays, scheduled maintenance, severe weather, and special events. Passengers should check current MRT-3 announcements before traveling early in the morning or late in the evening.
Passenger Rules and Security
Passengers and baggage are subject to security inspection before entering the paid area. Dangerous substances, weapons, explosives, flammable materials, and other prohibited items are not allowed inside stations or trains.
Travelers should keep entrances, aisles, stairways, platforms, and train doors clear. Eating, drinking, smoking, littering, damaging railway property, and activities that disturb or endanger other passengers are prohibited.
Getting to and From Stations
EDSA Busway
Several MRT-3 stations are located near EDSA Busway stops. Connections depend on the station, road layout, and available pedestrian access.
Jeepneys and Local Buses
Jeepneys, buses, and other public utility vehicles operate near most stations. Routes serve nearby neighborhoods, commercial districts, transport terminals, and cities outside the immediate railway corridor.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing Services
Taxis and ride-hailing vehicles can collect or drop off passengers near designated roadside areas, shopping centers, and transport bays. Pick-up arrangements depend on traffic rules and the station’s surrounding road network.
Before You Go
- Check current operating hours and service advisories before traveling.
- Confirm the correct station, direction, and destination.
- Prepare a beep card, cash, or another accepted payment method.
- Bring valid identification when claiming a passenger discount.
- Allow additional time during weekday rush hours.
- Expect security screening before entering the paid area.
- Keep personal belongings secure and avoid blocking doors or aisles.
- Follow station personnel, signs, platform markings, and safety announcements.
Related Articles
- Philippines
- Metro Manila
- Department of Transportation
- Philippine National Railways
- LRT-1
- LRT-2
- EDSA Busway
- Quezon City
- Makati
- Pasay
