DOTC: Upgraded MRT3 escalators by Feb 2017

MANILA, Philippines – About 38 escalators of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 will be rehabilitated over the next 8 months, after the transportation department awarded the deal to refurbish the MRT3’s remaining conveyance facilities.

The P65.48-million project, which covers all 34 Mitsubishi-brand escalators, was awarded to International Elevator & Equipment, Incorporated (IEEI) through the Department of Budget and Management’s (DBM) Procurement Service.

IEEI holds proprietary rights to rehabilitate MRT3’s second batch of escalators, being the brand’s exclusive distributor. 

The transportation department said it will undertake such works within 223 calendar days from the issuance of the notice to proceed.

The department said the project is aimed at providing relief to commuters – especially senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and pregnant women.

The soon-to-be refurbished escalators will be located inside the stations of Araneta Center-Cubao (8 units), Shaw Boulevard (8 units), Boni (two units), Buendia (4 units), Ayala (10 units), and Taft (two units).

The first batch, which consists of 32 escalators, became obsolete in 2013.

Earlier this year, the department announced the completion of the first batch of  refurbished escalators.

Efforts to rehabilitate the line’s conveyance facilities are among the projects of the transportation department to modernize and improve the MRT3.

For long-term improvement efforts, the department has earmarked P6.8 billion for the upgrade and rehabilitation of the MRT3.

Projects will include the procurement of 48 light rail vehicles, train general overhauling and ancillary systems upgrade, platform edge doors, signalling system upgrade, rail steel replacement, communications system, traction motors replacement, and the overhead catenary system, among others. – Rappler.com