Commuters who might spend the late night inside shopping malls in Metro Manila might need help getting public transport starting next week.

State-owned rail lines in Metro Manila announced extending their schedule of train journeys amid the adjusted mall hours might not be possible.

Responding to questions from reporters, the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) said, "Historically, we are not extending train operations as it will affect the system's maintenance schedule."

"May mga naka schedule po kasing maintenance activities sa gabi," it added.

The MRT-3 usually ends their train trips past 10 pm.

The Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA), the LRT Line 2 (LRT-2) operator, also said the same reason.

"Based din sa ridership data ng LRT-2  wala na gaanong pasahero after ng afternoon peak hours (5-7pm)," it said.

It noted the LRT-2 had prolonged their schedule of last train trips from 9 pm to 9:30 pm since June.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) previously announced shopping malls in Metro Manila would be open from 11 am to 11 pm from November 14 to January 6, 2023, for motorists and commuters to avoid heavy traffic during the holiday season.