MRT-3 apologizes over sign displayed at Shaw Boulevard station escalator
The Department of Transportation MRT-3 has apologized and addressed concerns over a sign displayed at the escalators.
On Feb. 8, a photo of the signage, which encouraged commuters to climb the steps, made the rounds online. It's unclear whether both escalators were working in the picture.
"Each step you climb is a gift to your heart, lungs, and muscles," it read.
The original poster called this out, saying the MRT-3 management was "gaslighting" Pinoy commuters instead of fixing escalators and elevators.
This sentiment was echoed by several users in the comments section.
"Pagod ka na nga sa walking eh, tas may ganyan ka pang mababasa," one user wrote.
"So very ableist and unsympathetic to the tired Filipino worker, the elderly, and the mobility impaired," added another.
"Each step ay pasakit," said one user.
'Such signage was unnecessary'
In a Feb. 9 statement, the MRT-3 said that the sign has been taken down, as it "does not reflect the official position of the transport agency," it said.
"On the contrary, the convenience of the commuters is always our paramount concern and priority."
The agency added that there was no need for such signage because the escalators are "operational."
"It only caused unnecessary confusion," it continued, furthering that this was the initiative of a station supervisor.
"We sincerely apologize for this. There was never any intention to invalidate or diminish the commuters’ experiences or concerns. We recognize the importance of listening, especially when issues about accessibility, comfort, and safety of the commuters are raised."
DOTr Sec. Giovanni Lopez and General Manager Michael Capati have also given instructions to address malfunctioning escalators immediately.