DOTC declares failed bidding for MRT-3 maintenance contract

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) has declared a failure of bidding for the P2.2-billion maintenance contract for the Metro Rail Transit line 3 (MRT-3) after no bidders showed up.

MRT-3 and Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) spokesman Hernando Cabrera said the government is now reviewing the terms of reference of the three-year maintenance contract due to the issues raised by prospective bidders.

Cabrera explained that the government is set to republish the new terms and conditions by next month to pave the way for the rebidding.

The 16.9-kilometer mass transit system along EDSA was constructed as part of an integrated strategy to alleviate traffic congestion along EDSA. The rail system had a fleet of 73 modern and air-conditioned rail cars built by CKD Doprovni System of Prague in the Czech Republic.

It was completed in July 2000 with a design capacity of 350,000 passengers a day but it now services around 540,000 passengers per day or about 55 percent its design capacity.

The one-month extended maintenance contract of Autre Potre Technique Global Inc. (APT) would likely be extended until a new maintenance contract is awarded.

Operations of MRT-3 have been hampered by a series of breakdowns brought about by non-working communications system as well as floods since the freak accident.