DOTC awards MRT-3 deals to 4 new maintenance providers

The Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) has awarded the maintenance contracts for the improvement of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT-3).

In a statement released Wednesday, the DOTC said it has awarded four of seven components of the rail system, which includes rail tracks and permanent ways, buildings and facilities, communications systems and ticketing or the current automated fare collection system.

“These maintenance contracts cover a 6-month period beginning on  July 5  this year, and are intended to fulfill the MRT-3’s daily operating requirements until the longer-term maintenance provider is procured,” the agency.

Details of these maintenance contracts are as follows:

The four new maintenance providers were procured via a multi-disciplinary approach, wherein the DOTC engaged sub-contractors directly for the maintenance works.   DOTC said this would improve the efficiency of executing maintenance works for the MRT-3.   The three other components, which include rolling stocks and depot equipment, power supply and overhead catenary system, and conveyance systems, are currently still being procured.

The DOTC has twice bid out the three-year maintenance contract, once in September 2014 and another in January 2015, which both failed due to the non-participation of potential bidders.

READ: For 2nd time, still no bidders for P2.4-B MRT service contract | Maintenance—or the lack of it

“The DOTC is now seeking the approval of the Government Procurement Policy Board (GPPB) to pursue an alternative mode of procurement for the 3-year maintenance deal,” it said. IDL