DOTC defers deadline for LRT 2 bid papers

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) has deferred the deadline for the submission of qualification documents for the operation and maintenance of the Light Rail Transit line 2 (LRT-2) system by almost one month to give bidders more time to prepare their bids.

 In a bid bulletin, DOTC undersecretary Jose Perpetuo Lotilla said the deadline has been moved to Dec. 15 instead of Nov. 20.

“In order to give prospective bidders ample time to prepare their qualification documents, please be informed that the qualification documents submission date has been rescheduled to Dec. 15 instead of Nov. 20,” Lotilla said.

Twelve companies have expressed interest in the public private partnership project.

Companies that earlier bought bid documents for the project include the tandem of conglomerate Ayala Corp. and infrastructure giant Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC) through Light Rail Manila Consortium (LRMC), GT Capital Holdings of taipan George SK Ty, diversified conglomerate San Miguel Corp., Marubeni Corp. of Japan, RATP Development, and DMCI Holdings Inc.

Other companies include Miescorrail of electricity giant Manila Electric Co. (Meralco), Hyundai Rotem Company, TUV Rheiland, listed Aboitiz Equity Ventures, SMRT International, and MTR Hong Kong.

Lotilla earlier said the government is pushing for PPP projects that would make the transportation system in the country more efficient and safe.

“In line with the government’s objective to make everything more efficient, more nimble and address the needs of the people in Metro Manila — this project was conceived and being offered to the private sector to do the operation and maintenance”, he said.

The winning bidder would operate and maintain the existing 13.8-kilometer LRT-2 from C. M. Recto Ave. in Avenida, Manila to Santolan in Pasig City with 11 stations as well as the proposed P9.7-billion extension project covering an additional 4.19 kilometers and two stations all the way to Masinag in Antipolo City.

The winner would also operate and maintain other future extension of the LRT-2 system. The extension is expected to further increase the current 200,000 daily passenger volume of the mass transit system that traverses the cities of Manila, San Juan, Quezon City, Marikina, and Pasig.

The concession period for the operation and maintenance of LRT-2 would be between 10 years and 15 years.

The DOTC and LRTA have already signed a concession agreement with the LRMC for the P65-billion extension project of the LRT-1 all the way to Niog in Bacoor, Cavite from the Baclaran station in Parañaque City.