MRT, LRT ticketing system operational by Q3 2015

MANILA, Philippines – The single-ticketing system for the Metro Rail Transit 3 (MRT 3) and the Light Rail Transit (LRT) Lines 1 and 2 is expected to be operational by 3rd quarter of 2015.

In a statement on Thursday, November 14, Transportation spokesman Atty. Michael Arthur Sagcal said the submission of bids for the P1.72-billion Automatic Fare Collection System (AFCS) project will push through on Monday, November 18.

If the bid process goes on as scheduled, Sagcal said the Department of Transportation and Communications will award the project in February 2014 and the project will be completed in the 3rd quarter of 2015.

“From what we understand, if all groups submit on Monday, this could be the highest number of bidders for a PPP project so far. That would mean more competitive bids, and it would show how well the project terms have been packaged,” he added.

Bidding for the ACFS was originally scheduled last August 30, but it was deferred because of changes in the concession agreement.

The companies that were prequalified to bid for the AFCS include:

• AF Consortium of Ayala Corporation and Metro Pacific Investments Corporation
• Comworks Consortium
• E-Trans Solutions Joint Venture Inc.
• Megawide-Suyen-Eurolink Consortium
• SM Consortium of mall magnate Henry Sy

The ACFS is one of projects that will be bid out under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) program, the centerpiece of the Aquino administration’s development goals. The PPP aims to create vital infrastructure that will sustain the country’s economic growth.

The AFCS is similar to Hong Kong’s Octopus Card, which serves as a debit card and a stored-value train ticket. The card can be used for other purposes such as toll payment, electronic banking, and even shopping.

Bidding for Mactan airport delayed

Bidding for another PPP, the P17.5-billion Mactan Cebu International Airport expansion project, will most likely take place in December.

In an advisory issued to prequalified bidders, DOTC said “the submission and opening of bids for the project is postponed to one week after the next NEDA board meeting. The NEDA board meeting is anticipated to take place within the next 2 weeks.”

The bid submission for the airport project was originally scheduled for Friday, November 15, but it was deferred since the project terms are yet to approved by the the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) board, which is chaired by President Benigno Aquino III.

The NEDA board was unable to convene as officials were focused on relief and rescue efforts for victims of Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan). – Rappler.com