DOTC calls for investors to bid for P3.8-B MRT-3 contract

To decongest Line Three of the MRT Rail Transit (MRT-3) along historic E. Delos Santos Avenue (EDSA), the  Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) is searching for a reliable partner to meet the provisions in a P3.-billion contract covering the supply of 48 new trains. 

 

The department said it is inviting bidders in a pre-bid conference on March 7. Companies that find the contract worth it have until March 22 to make an offer for the project.

 

As part of the MRT-3 expansion program, the project seeks to decongest the passenger platforms by making sure that four-car trains arrive at the stations religiously at every 2.30-minute (two and a half minute) intervals.

 

“This will enhance passenger convenience, improve reliability, reduce passengers’ waiting time, and decongest the crowded passenger platforms,” the department noted in an invitation to bidders.

 

Nearly 600,000 passengers a day take the MRT-3—a 16.9-kilometer line from North Ave. in Quezon City to Taft Ave. in Pasay—which is serviced by the current fleet of 73 trains from the Czech Republic.

 

“During peak hours, MRT-3 uses three-car trains that arrive every three minutes. As such, there is an obvious lack of trains to meet the demand,” according to the DOTC.

 

The expansion project also calls for an upgrade of the MRT-3's traction power substations and signaling system as well as additional stabling tracks and catenary system in the depot, the department added. — VS, GMA News