P1.2B budget released for MRT3 rehab, capacity extension

Rappler.com

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P1.2B budget released for MRT3 rehab, capacity extension
The fund will also cover the replacement of the signaling system and the rehabilitation of escalators and elevators of the the train stations

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has released P1.207 billion ($27.32 billion) to the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) for the rehabilitation and the capacity extension of the Metro Rail Transit line 3 (MRT3).

The fund will also cover the replacement of the signaling system and the rehabilitation of escalators and elevators of the the train stations.

The rehabilitation of the MRT3 has been a long time coming, especially in the wake of frequent glitches that stranded, even endangered, passengers

On Wednesday, April 21, only 5 trains of MRT3 were running, causing long queues and angering commuters who had been lining up for hours.

“But the release of funds to rehabilitate the MRT3 will go a long way in improving not only the capacity of the mass transit system but the overall user experience,” Budget Secretary Florencio Abad said in a statement Wednesday, April 22.

P900 million ($20.37 million) will be spent on the replacement or upgrade of the obsolete signaling system.

The government will also allot P167.163 million ($3.78 million) for the supply and delivery of one lot rail grinder to repair the MRT3 tracks that have been damaged by stamping and shelling.

P90 million ($2.04 million) will go to the supply and delivery of one lot overhead catenary system road-rail vehicle for maintenance activities.

The remaining P50 million ($1.13 million) will be for the modernization of 12 elevators.

The MRT3 funds are part of the P22.47 billion ($508.64 million) supplemental budget, which was passed in December 2014. – Rappler.com

US$1 = P44.18

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