DOTC nixes deadline extension for single MRT-LRT project

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

Some of the prequalified bidders were seeking a four-week extension of the Nov. 18 deadline to Dec. 18 to provide them adequate time to prepare and submit complete, responsive and responsible bid proposals.

However, the DOTC’s special bids and awards committee denied the request through Special Bid Bulletin 16 – 2013.

DOTC undersecretary Rene Limcaoco stated in the bulleting that bid proposals for the automated fare collection system (AFCS) is on or before 2 p.m. of Nov. 18.

“We wish to remind all bidders that due to the vehicular traffic that builds up near academic institutions located along Ortigas Avenue, bidders should allot a reasonable period for travel to meet the deadline. Any bid proposal received after 2 p.m. will not be accepted, unless the PBAC, in its sole discretion, decides to accept it because of public interest,” Limcaoco said.

The DOTC met with the prequalified bidders last Oct. 17 to discuss major deal breakers that could derail the bidding next month.

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.

The MRT-LRT single ticket is envisioned to be like Hong Kong’s Octopus Card, which serves as a debit card, aside from being a stored-value train ticket. The single ticket could also be used for other modes of transportation such as buses, paying toll, electronic banking, and even shopping.