MRT's overall performance is unsatisfactory - MTR Hong Kong audit

The initial findings of an audit taken by the Hong Kong Mass Transit Railway (MTR) found the overall performance of the Metro Rail Transit-3 (MRT-3) unsatisfactory, GMA 7 news program “24 Oras” reported.




The MTR Hong Kong's Asset Condition and Capability Assessment Report also warned that the train service's "performance will further deteriorate in coming years if reliability improvement works and practice maintenance works are not implemented."

The unsatisfactory rating was given even without the audit having taken account of major glitches and the derailment last August 13.

Also, MTR Hong Kong's findings were made without the five-year failure and maintenance records from the MRT-3 maintenance contractor, Autre Porte Technique Global Inc. (APT Global), and Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC).

The records were unavailable, according to APT Global, as they had expected a systems audit, not a maintenance audit.

DOTC Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya, meanwhile, was not surprised with the audit results. "Tinanong ko 'yung rail experts, they were not surprised. Their findings were also seen in the Systra audit," explained Abaya.

Likewise, MRT Holdings also expected an unfavorable audit report.,“Unsatisfactory finding, lahat naman tayo alam naman natin na masasabi nila 'yun eh from what has been happening over the past few years," said MRT Holdings spokesperson Atty. David Narvasa said.

Currenly, the DOTC is attempting to replace the MRT's maintenance provider.

But Of the five companies that had shown interest in the contract, all failed to submit the documents on the deadline.

The potential bidders complained that the penalty for glitches was too high for a well-worn train system. — Trisha Macas/DVM, GMA News