Better MRT seen with P2B service deal

MRT train. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO/RAFFY LERMA

MANILA, Philippines–Malacañang sought to appease angry commuters on Sunday as an official assured them that a new P2.25-billion maintenance contract up for bidding would help improve conditions at the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3).

A prebid conference is set on Sept. 9 for “local and foreign companies that wish to join the bidding,” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma said in his weekly media forum aired over Radyo ng Bayan.

“It is expected that the service and maintenance of MRT-3, including the new coaches [that will arrive next year], will improve because of a longer maintenance contract,” he added.

At the same time, the Palace threw its support behind a Senate inquiry which was expected to look for ways to improve MRT-3 operations.

The hearing set at 10 a.m. Monday will also probe the incident that wounded close to 40 people when an MRT-3 train crashed into a concrete barrier at the Taft Avenue Station in Pasay City on Aug. 13.

“We trust that our legislators are one [with us] in improving public service and that can be achieved by conducting a hearing,” he said.

To prepare for the Senate inquiry, Sen. Grace Poe rode in the MRT-3 without bodyguards, standing in line for more than 30 minutes during rush hour last Friday.

Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya did the same the week before but with a bodyguard and during off-peak hours. He also rode in the coach reserved for women, the elderly and persons with disabilities.

The government has been under heavy criticism for the worsening conditions at MRT-3 which include long lines, overcrowded coaches and frequent breakdowns, problems it insists could be addressed by the arrival of new coaches starting next year.

“The government continues to work to improve train service and to improve even more the overall program of public transportation to ensure the safety and convenience of our people,” Coloma said.