German-Filipino joint venture bags MRT3 maintenance contract

 MANILA, Philippines – A German-Filipino group was tapped by the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) to maintain the trains, depot equipment, and signaling system of the aging Metro Rail Transit line 3 (MRT3).

The DOTC awarded a P131.28 million ($2.9 million) contract for the upkeep of MRT3 to the joint venture of Schunk Bahn-und Industrietechnik GmbH (SBI) and Commbuilders & Technology Philippines Corporation (CB&T).

The 6-month contract starting July 5 that covers rolling stocks, depot equipment, and signaling, is the largest component of the MRT3 maintenance requirement.

SBI is an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of high-quality power transmission railway equipment. CB&T is part of the joint venture that currently maintains the Light Rail Transit line 1 system.

In March, CB&T president Roehl Bacar said the company, with its joint venture with SBI, can provide other services that are beyond the means of rehabilitation and restoration of the MRT3.

Maintenance contracts awarded

To date, DOTC awarded 4 contracts worth P61.5 million ($1.36 million) to various groups for the maintenance of MRT3. (READ: DOTC to MRT3 riders: ‘Expect improvements soon’)

The following bagged the maintenance contracts for MRT3:

• Jorgman-Korail- Erin Marty Joint Venture – P23.9 million ($529,997.33) for general maintenance of the rails
• Global Epcom Services, Incorporated – P23.4 million ($518,909.34) for maintenance of stations, depot, and other infrastructure
• Trilink Technologies, Incorporated – P7.28 million ($161,472.72) for upgrade and maintenance of communications systems to improve operations coordination
• Future Logic Corporation – P6.95 million ($154,130.03) for the maintenance and general management of all Automated Fare Collection System (AFCS) equipment systems, software, and spare parts

AFCS, however, is postponed indefinitely, citing numerous technical and supply issues that have to be resolved. (Delayed again: LRT-MRT unified ticket)

Two of 7 components are still for procurement and award. The remaining component is the power supply and overhead catenary system, as well as the conveyance systems.

DOTC awarded to Jardine Schindler Elevator Corporation the contract for the restoration of the conveyance facilities at the MRT3 along EDSA. (READ: First batch of MRT3 escalators up for P22.11M rehab)

DOTC is procuring maintenance sub-contractors directly under a multi-disciplinary approach as it prepares the 3-year maintenance contract for procurement, Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya said earlier.

He added the agency’s two previous attempts to bid out a long-term maintenance contract both resulted in failure due to the non-participation of bidders, prompting the DOTC to seek the permission from the Government Procurement Policy Board to proceed with an alternative mode of procurement.

MRT3 passengers are also expected to endure longer queues and waiting time as the start of the delivery of the 48 brand new trains by Dalian Locomotive and Rolling Stock Company of China has been deferred to end-January 2016, instead of the last quarter of this year. (READ: DOTC to get new MRT3 trains starting January 2016) – Rappler.com

$1 = P45.10