DOTr aims to bid out P103 billion MRT-3 concession

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Friday announced that it is set to bid out the P103.6-billion Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) concession this year.

According to Transportation Sec. Giovanni Lopez, the bidding will be held amid privatization efforts on MRT-3, with the DOTr retaining its authority over fares.

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“Through public-private partnership, we bring in the expertise and investment this line needs. What we need here is someone with extensive experience in operating railways for the benefit of commuters,” said Lopez in a statement.

“And to clarify, the authority to set fares will remain with the DOTr,” he added.

Lopez also reiterated that the MRT-3 will be offered to the private sector as a stand-alone line, and will not be bundled with the Light Rail Transit Line 2 or LRT-2.

Under the concession agreement, payments to the concessionaire will be linked to service delivery and compliance with prescribed performance standards. 

It will also support the modernization of MRT-3, particularly through re-fleeting trains and re-signaling the system to improve capacity, reliability and operational efficiency. 

Meanwhile, performance standards will cover train availability and reliability, on-time performance, and cleanliness and proper maintenance of trains and facilities.

This system, the DOTr said, will ensure the private operator is held accountable for the quality of service delivered to commuters. /apl