DOTC in search of new maintenance provider for MRT

The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) is now searching for a new maintenance service provider for the Metro Rail Transit (MRT)—Metro Manila’s most congested train line with a spotty reliability record.

In an invitation published yesterday, the DOTC said a budget of P712.76 million had been earmarked for the year-long maintenance contract.

“The MRT system is the cornerstone of the DOTC’s integrated strategy to alleviate chronic traffic congestion on Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (Edsa),” the invitation read.

The DOTC said more than 600,000 train passengers take the 17-kilometer train system from the North Avenue station to the Taft Avenue station.

The new maintenance provider must ensure that the MRT system operates under safe running conditions with on-time and reliable performance, providing convenience to all passengers, the DOTC added.

The pre-bid conference is on April 2. The submission and opening of bids is on April 15.