SYSTEM UPGRADE. The national government intends to upgrade the ticketing system of the MRT 3, LRT 1 and LRT 2 with contactless smart card-based technology. Photo obtained from the PPP Center website.

MANILA, Philippines - Twenty-two firms are keen on bidding for the automatic fare collection system for Metro Manila's mass rail transits, according to the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC).

In a media briefing on Tuesday, January 15, DOTC Secretary Joseph Emilio "Jun" Abaya said 22 firms have bought bid documents for the project, which will replace the magnetic stripe tickets of the Light and Metro Rail Transits with "contactless smartcards and tokens."

"This is a clear example of a pure PPP project of DOTC wherein investments will purely come from private sector. There will be no government participation nor subsidies," Abaya said.

The firms are required to submit the bid documents on February 14, the date set for the pre-qualification bidding. This determines the technical and financial capability of the firms to undertake the project.

Only those who will pre-qualify will be allowed to join the formal bidding. Once the contract is awarded, project execution may begin. - Rappler.com