[1] It was a development of the Tatra KT8D5; 0029 retained its control, proportions, the front and rear sections, and unlike the later production vehicles, designed for bidirectional operation.

[15][16] All 73 light rail vehicles (LRV) were first refurbished from 2008 to 2009 by Sumitomo Corporation, its technical partner Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Engineering (MHIENG), and its subsidiary TES Philippines Inc. (TESP).

The refurbished cars underwent a body repaint and installation of new air-conditioning units from Thermo King.

[19] When Sumitomo, Mitsubishi, and TESP returned as the line's maintenance providers on May 1, 2019, they continued the second refurbishment of the trains.

It consists of the installation of new choppers, traction motors, wheels, pantographs, new air conditioning units from Thermo King (a replacement program for the air conditioning units began as early as 2018); the repainting of the train's exteriors and interiors; and the fitting of new lighting installations throughout the trains.

[21] On October 29, 2020, the first newly overhauled train underwent a test run at a speed of 50 kilometers per hour (31 mph).

[26] On March 9, 2022, a four-car 3000 class trainset underwent a dynamic test run on the main line for the first time.

[28] Although full conversion was initially planned to be achieved by 2023,[29] all trains soon reverted to the existing 3-car configuration.

Nevertheless, four-car operations are expected to start in June 2025, once the construction of the extended pocket track near Taft Avenue station is completed.

[31] The RT8D5M operates as built on the high-speed city rail system with high platforms and in tropical conditions.

[32] Unlike the prototype 0029, these cars have rounded "foreheads" or beveled large windows at both ends.

Each light rail vehicle has three roof-mounted air-conditioning units manufactured by Thermo King.

[37][38] Auxiliary power is sourced from 480-volt AC static converters and two 24-volt DC batteries.

[8] Some onboard signaling equipment consist of vehicle logic units (VLUs), driver panels, and antennas.