IT systems of LTFRB, LTO to be integrated in new P7.9-billion project

The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) announced on Monday, February 20, that the technical board of the National Economic Development Authority (Neda) has given the green light for a P7.9-billion initiative dubbed “Road Transport IT Project”.

The big-ticket project will integrate the IT systems of the Land Transportation Office (LTO)’s offices nationwide, and the operations of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

DOTC Sec. Manuel “Mar” Roxas II said in a statement that the Neda’s Investment Coordinating Committee Technical Board endorsed the initiative on January 31, 2012 and was subsequently approved by the Neda Cabinet Committee on February 16, 2012.

The project is now endorsed to the Neda Board for final approval.

“The LTO/LTFRB centralized IT project is now in the final step of getting Neda’s approval which will allow us to pursue our efforts in integrating our operations to provide the public safe, convenient and reliable transport system,” Roxas said.

Of the approved project cost, an estimated P3 billion will be funded locally over a one-year implementation period, while the P4.9 billion operations and maintenance of the project would be put out to bid and managed by an external IT provider for a five- year period.

“What is different from the previous system is that unlike the arrangement with Stradcom, the new IT infrastructure will be owned by the government, with all the computer fees charged to the public to be collected by the government,” Roxas added.

The bid for the project will be announced by end of the month or early March. The project is expected to be awarded to the winning bidder by April 2012. — Newsbytes.ph