With a hundred firms interested in operating the line.
On Friday, October 23, Department of Transportation (DOTr) announced that the target date for the privatization of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3).
In a statement, it said that it will be bidding out the ₱103.6-billion concession this year, with the awarding of the concession agreement targeted by mid-2027.
Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said: “Through public-private partnership, we bring in the expertise and investment this line needs. Ang kailangan natin dito ‘yung may matagal ng experience sa pagpapatakbo ng riles para sa kapakinabangan ng mga komyuter. At lilinawin ko po, mananatili pa rin sa DOTr ang pagtatakda ng pamasahe.”
According to him, the project will be made through a public-private partnership, with the DOTr retaining its authority over fares. In addition, payments to the concessionaire will be linked to the delivery of services and compliance with prescribed performance standards.
The DOTr also said that the concession will also support the modernization of MRT-3 through the refleeting of trains and resignaling of the system to improve capacity, reliability, and operational efficiency.
“Performance standards will cover train availability and reliability, on-time performance, and the cleanliness and proper maintenance of trains and facilities, ensuring that the private operator is held accountable for the quality of service delivered to commuters,” it noted.
To attract investors, the DOTr in partnership with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), has been conducting market-sounding activities throughout the year, including those held in Singapore and Tokyo, Japan.
Since then, about 100 local and international companies have expressed interest in the project — including potential international investors.
Lopez also nogedt that MRT-3 will be offered to the private sector as a stand alone line, and will not be bundled with the Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT-2), which is under the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA).
MRT-3 serves more than 388,000 passengers daily across its 13 stations, according to the DOTr.
