It is being touted as an agreement that will ensure sustainable and efficient operations.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) said in its statement on Friday, September 12, that it has reached the renewal of its rehabilitation and maintenance contract for the MRT-3 with Japanese firm Sumitomo Corp.
Through which, it has agreed that the contract be extended for another two years, with acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez and Sumitomo Corp. Corporate Officer and General Manager Takeshi Noguchi inking the said agreement.
The contract renewal is aimed at addressing essential system upgrades and repairs, as well as ongoing operational reliability.
“With the agreement, commuters are assured of efficient and convenient rail services, reduced glitches and breakdowns and shorter travel time,” the DOTr’s statement read.
Acting Secretary Lopez then noted Sumitomo’s “undeniable capability” and expertise in handling the rehabilitation and maintenance of the MRT-3.
Sumitomo Corp. took over the rail line’s rehabilitation and maintenance in 2019, with the MRT-3 seeing its operational trains increase from a low of 7 in 2018 to a high of 22 in 2022—which enabled the deployment of up to 20 train sets during peak hours.
The Japanese firm also completed the systems rehabilitation for the MRT-3 in December 2021 with continuing maintenance services until October 2025.
“With Sumitomo, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and the Government of Japan by our side, we look forward to ensuring that MRT-3 continues to provide safe, reliable, and efficient service to our Filipino commuters and the riding public in general,” said Lopez.
The acting transport chief likewise expressed gratitude to the Government of Japan and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for extending its assistance to the agreement.