LRT2 seeks operator, maintenance provider

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – The transportation department will be opening the operations and maintenance of the Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT2) to private companies.

Interested bidders have until November 20, 2014 to submit prequalification documents. The joint prequalification bids and awards committee of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) and the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) said the project would be under the public-private partnership scheme.

Both the DOTC and LRTA said bidding will follow procurement rules and procedures as stipulated in the Build-Operate-Transfer Law.

The winning bidder will be tasked with maintaining the existing 13.8 kilometer-long LRT2, which spans from CM Recto in Manila to Santolan in Pasig City. Planned extensions of the LRT2 are also under the contract, including the planned 4.19 kilometers that would extend the train line to Masinag in Antipolo City.

Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya told reporters the concession period for the LRT2 operation and maintenance project would last from 10 to 15 years. He added the project would “vastly improve” the train line’s services in tapping the capabilities of the private sector.

Abaya added the transportation department would still serve as the regulator of the train line. – Rappler.com