Privatization of MRT-3 operations, maintenance eyed

MRT-3 (File photo from Philippine Daily Inquirer)

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) recently said that it is considering the privatization of MRT-3’s  operations and maintenance.

Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista, in a statement on Wednesday, said they are mulling privatizing MRT-3’s operations and maintenance “not only to enhance efficiency and safety but also to reduce operational cost to be able to maintain affordable fares. “

 “We are looking at partnering with private rail operators for MRT-3’s operations and maintenance under the same scheme as Light Rail Transit (LRT) 1, with the rail lines assets remaining government owned,” he said.

Bautista stressed that “railway systems should remain the most affordable and safest mode of mass transit in the country.” 

Hence, the DOTr said that the operations of LRT-1, LRT-2, and MRT-3  will remain subsidized by the government to keep fares affordable. — Kristelle Anne Razon, INQUIRER.net trainee

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