DOTC defers bidding of MRT-LRT ticketing system

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) has postponed the deadline for the submission of bids for the P1.72 billion automated and contactless single ticketing system for the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) and Light Rail Transit (LRT).

DOTC undersecretary Rene Limcaoco issued Special Bid Bulletin  15 - 2013 deferring the submission of the technical and financial proposals for the Automated Fare Collection System (AFCS) project due to changes on the concession agreement.

“Please be notified that the bid submission will be 30 calendar days from the date of release of the final concession agreement and all attachments/annexures. For this purpose, the PBAC shall expressly declare that such documents are final in nature,” he stated in the bulletin dated Aug. 27.

Prequalified bidders for the AFCS project were supposed to submit their technical and financial proposals on Aug. 30.

Companies that were prequalified last May included the AF Consortium led by Ayala Corp. and infrastructure giant Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC) of businessman Manuel V. Pangilinan; Comworks Consortium; E-Trans Solutions Joint Venture Inc.; Megawide-Suyen-Eurolink Consortium; and SM Consortium of retail magnate Henry Sy.

Disqualified bidders include diversified conglomerate San Miguel Corp., the Lamco consortium, the MTD-PRLM consortium, and the Mega Lucky United consortium

The DOTC rejected the appeal filed by SMC and the Lamco consortium but the diversified conglomerate elevated its appeal to Malacañang.

The DOTC through the bulletin also laid down the guidelines for conducting surveys or interview of key personnel of the Light Rail Transit Authoriry (LRTA) and the MRT3 and passengers.

The agency gave each prequalified bidder three days to conduct the interview within the stations of MRT3, LRT1, and LRT2. The interviews should be conducted within the operating hours until Sept. 27.