MRT Line 3 (Metro Manila)

MRT Line 3
An MRTC 3000 class train passing the Ortigas Interchange in October 2023
Overview
Native nameFilipino: Ikatlong Linya ng Sistema ng Kalakhang Riles Panlulan ng Maynila
StatusOperational
OwnerMetro Rail Transit Corporation
Line number3
LocaleMetro Manila, Philippines
Termini
Stations13
Websitewww.dotrmrt3.gov.ph
Service
TypeLight rapid transit
SystemManila Metro Rail Transit System
Services1
Operator(s)Department of Transportation
Depot(s)North Avenue
Rolling stockMRTC 3000 class
MRTC 3100 class
Daily ridership375,474 (2024)
Ridership135,885,336 (2024)
History
CommencedOctober 15, 1996 (1996-10-15)
OpenedDecember 15, 1999 (1999-12-15)
CompletedJuly 20, 2000 (2000-07-20)
Technical
Line length16.9 km (10.5 mi)
Number of tracksDouble
CharacterGrade separated
Track gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8+12 in) standard gauge
Loading gauge3,730 mm × 2,600 mm (12 ft 3 in × 8 ft 6 in)
Minimum radius370 m (1,210 ft) (mainline)
25 m (82 ft) (depot)
Electrification750 V DC overhead catenary
Operating speed60 km/h (37 mph)
SignallingAlstom CITYFLO 250 fixed block with subsystems of EBICAB 900 ATP, EBI Screen 900 CTC, and EBI Lock 950 CBI
Maximum incline4% (mainline)
5% (depot spur line)
Average inter-station distance1.28 km (0.80 mi)
Route map

Quirino Highway
 MMS 
Dr. Santos
North Avenue
San Jose Del Monte
North Avenue Depot
Quezon Avenue
Lerma - University Avenue
  FTI
  NAIA Terminal 3
 MMS 
GMA–Kamuning
Recto - Antipolo
Araneta Center–Cubao
Santolan–Annapolis
Ortigas
Shaw Boulevard
Boni
Guadalupe
Buendia
Ayala
Magallanes
Clark International Airport / Tutuban
  Calamba
Taft Avenue
Fernando Poe Jr. - Dr. Santos - Niog

The Metro Rail Transit Line 3, also known as the MRT Line 3, MRT-3, or Metrostar Express, is a rapid transit line in Metro Manila in the Philippines. The line runs in an orbital north to south route following the alignment of Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA). Despite its name, the line is more akin to a light rapid transit system owing to its tram-like rolling stock while having total grade separation and high passenger throughput. The line is officially known as the Yellow Line.

Envisioned in the 1970s and 1980s as part of various feasibility studies, the 13-station, 16.9-kilometer (10.5 mi) line was the second rapid transit line to be built in Metro Manila when it started full operations in 2000. The line is owned by the Metro Rail Transit Corporation (MRTC) under a 25-year build–lease–transfer agreement with the Philippine government's Department of Transportation (DOTr), who operates the line.

The line is integrated with the public transit system in Metro Manila, where passengers also take various forms of road-based public transport, such as buses, to and from a station to reach their intended destination. Serving close to 375,000 passengers on a daily basis, the line is the busiest among Metro Manila's three rapid transit lines. Total ridership significantly exceeds its built maximum capacity of 350,000 passengers a day, with various solutions being proposed or implemented to alleviate chronic congestion. Expanding the network's capacity to accommodate the rising number of passengers is currently set on tackling this problem.