INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
Amid the persistent transport woes, the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) has assured the public that the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) Line 3 will provide better service and increased convenience as it awarded contracts of various improvement projects for the congested railway.
DOTC said passengers can expect a better commuting experience and service reliability as it awarded contracts totaling to P142.37 million, including deals for new industrial fans and batteries for the MRT’s signaling system.
The department awarded the P2.10-million contract for new industrial fans to Innovative Electrical Enterprise for “greater air flow and ventilation at station areas, such as platforms and concourses.” The fans will be installed within 90 calendar days from the issuance of the notice.
Meanwhile, Ad Lib-YongJi Joint Venture bagged the P79.86-million contract for new traction motors which will replace depleted rotational spares. DOTC said the new motors “should have the same performance specifications as the current ones.”
Furthermore, a new “multi-purpose road-rail vehicle” will be purchased under the Joint Venture of Kempal Construction and Supply Corporation and Maquinaria del Eo for the maintenance of the MRT-3’s overhead catenary system.
The DOTC also awarded a P14.02-million contract to Lead Core Technology System Inc. for the acquisition of new batteries that will provide “uninterrupted power supply to the signaling system, among other electrical components.”
The department said 180 units of batteries will be delivered by March in each station.
Glitches in the signaling system were known to cause the MRT to limit or stop its operations in the past.
DOTC also vowed shorting waiting times at stations for passengers as the second of 48 new light rail vehicles has been assembled and set to be tested this month. RAM
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