DOTC extends contract of firm maintaining MRT-3

MRT train. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO/RAFFY LERMA

MANILA, Philippines–The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) has extended the contract of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3’s current maintenance provider while it is looking for a new one.

DOTC spokesperson Michael Sagcal said on Thursday that the one-year contract of Autre Porte Technique Global Inc. (APT Global), which was expiring Friday, would be extended on an interim basis.

“The term of APT Global’s extended services is on a month-to-month basis. It may be terminated at the DOTC’s option any time after two weeks from today, Sept 4,” Sagcal said in a text message.

He added that the firm would continue to be paid P57 million every month for its services as he declined to provide added details.

The move comes amid heavy criticism directed at the DOTC and APT Global over the MRT-3 which has been operating at well beyond its intended capacity, resulting in long queues, packed coaches and frequent breakdowns, one of which recently caused a derailment that sent at least 40 people to the hospital.

Other recent incidents include a failure in its communications system last Aug. 23 that caused the entire line to stop operating for half a day. Transportation Secretary Joseph Abaya said that APT Global was facing a monetary penalty for the incident.

A probe was also ongoing on a Sept. 2 incident in which the doors of an MRT-3 coach opened as the train was running.

The DOTC is in the process of bidding out a P2.25 billion three-year contract for the overhead railway system’s maintenance. Companies have until Oct. 13 to submit their offers.

Abaya said in a previous interview that the department was switching to more long-term contracts against one-year deals to attract larger maintenance providers, suggesting that these had more expertise.

An official of APT Global did not immediately respond to a request for comment.