Senator Grace Poe on Sunday reminded the Department of Transportation (DOTr) of the public's expectation of better Metro Rail Transit 3 (MRT-3) services by the end of the month.

Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade earlier assured passengers of improved service once spare parts for the train system start arriving.

"Talagang lahat tayo inip na inip na. Siguro ang magiging deadline natin kay Sec. Tugade ay ang ipinangako niyang by February, gagaan na [ang sitwasyon sa MRT] dahil darating na ang mga parte," Poe, chairperson of the Senate committee on public services, said in a radio interview on Sunday.

• READ: Gov't appeals for 'understanding' from MRT riders, says spare parts coming

The government took over the maintenance of the MRT last year, after it terminated its contract with the train system's previous maintenance contractor.

According to Poe, the government must consider other solutions to address the MRT's problems if it fails to improve its services.

"Kapag hindi pa rin, sa tingin ko may problema na tayo. Pag-uusapan na talaga natin ang ibang bagay 'pag nagkataon," Poe said.

"Matagal na kasi nilang sinasabi sa atin na by December of 2016 [magiging maayos na ang serbisyo]. Ilang extension na 'yan na iba-ibang dahilan," added Poe.

Poe also said DOTr should fast-track actions for a reliable and efficient maintenance provider for the MRT.

"Talagang urgent 'yan. Pero siyempre kailangan din nila ng ulo. Kailangan nila ng isang magpapatron at magsasabi kung ano ang gagawin, ano ang kailangang i-order, at ano ang kailangang bantayan," said Poe.

The senator, likewise, urged the Office of the Ombudsman to expedite criminal cases against former Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya.

"Ayaw natin ng paghihiganti. Ang gusto lang natin ay pananagutan," Poe said.

"Ako talaga ay nakikisimpatya sa taumbayan at naiintindihan ko ang inyong kalbaryo. Minsan ko na ring nasubukan 'yan at tuwing ako'y napapadaan [sa EDSA], nakikita ko ang pila sa MRT araw-araw. Kulang na lang ay paminsan-minsan maluluha ka lalo na kung masama ang panahon. Gustuhin ko man, minsan nakatali ang kamay namin sa lehislatura kasi hindi naman namin sila pwedeng ipakulong. Hindi rin namin sila pwedeng paalisin kasi hindi naman kami ang nag-appoint sa kanila," she added.