100 firms interested in MRT-3 privatization

MANILA – The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is looking to award the PHP103.6-billion Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) concession by mid-2027, with about 100 local and international firms already expressing interest in the privatization project.

Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said Friday that the move follows President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to prioritize the modernization of MRT-3, given its vital role in transporting commuters across Metro Manila.

Lopez said the project will be undertaken through a public-private partnership (PPP), with the DOTr retaining its authority over fares.

"Through public-private partnership, we bring in the expertise and investment this line needs. Ang kailangan natin dito ‘yung may matagal ng experience sa pagpapatakbo ng riles para sa kapakinabangan ng mga komyuter. At lilinawin ko po, mananatili pa rin sa DOTr ang pagtatakda ng pamasahe," he said in a news release.

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

The concession will also support the modernization of MRT-3 through the refleeting of trains and resignaling of the system to improve capacity, reliability, and operational efficiency.

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

MRT-3 serves over 388,000 passengers daily across 13 stations along EDSA.

Lopez said 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.

In partnership with the Asian Development Bank, the DOTr has been conducting market-sounding activities throughout the year to attract investors, including those held in Singapore and Tokyo, Japan.

Lane closure on Commonwealth Ave. for MRT-7 works

In a separate advisory, the DOTr and SMC Mass Rail Transit 7 Inc. informed the public that four lanes from the center of the eastbound section of Commonwealth Avenue, from Amity Street to Ilang-Ilang Street, will be temporarily closed.

The closure will run from 11 p.m. on Oct. 24, to 4 a.m. on Oct. 25, to give way for the unloading and lifting of MRT-7 escalator equipment.

Two lanes of the service road will remain passable during the activity. Motorists are advised to take the two-lane service road during the activity to avoid inconvenience.

Raymond Carl Dela Cruz/PNA