DOTC awards MRT3 elevators, escalators maintenance contract

MANILA, Philippines —The government on Thursday, July 16, awarded its seventh and final contract for the maintenance of the most congested elevated railway in Metro Manila: the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT3).

The P8.17-million ($180,451) MRT3 contract to maintain the 34 escalators and 32 elevators over the next 6 months was bagged by local conveyance maintenance provider International Elevator & Equipment, Incorporated (IEEI).

The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) said the train system’s riders, especially senior citizens, pregnant women, and persons with disability, can expect a more convenient commuting experience as the contract  has been awarded.

IEEI will be obligated to maintain the Mitsubishi-brand conveyance facilities as the brand’s exclusive distributor of elevators and escalators. 

As to the 12 Schindler-brand escalators, a maintenance contract was no longer procured as a 6-month rehabilitation contract was awarded to Jardine Schindler instead.

A summary of the improvement efforts for MRT3 conveyance facilities is as follows: 

Over the last few weeks, the transportation department awarded 6-month maintenance contracts for the other components of the MRT3, namely: 

• Rolling stocks, depot equipment, and signaling to Schunk Bahn-und Industrietechnik GmbH – Comm Builders & Technology Philippines Corporation joint venture
• Rail tracks and permanent ways to Jorgman-Korail-Erin Marty joint venture
• Buildings and facilities to Global Epcom Services, Incorporated
• Communication systems to Trilink Technologies, Incorporated
• Ticketing systems to Future Logic Corporation
• Power supply and overhead catenary systems to MRAIL, Incorporated. 

These 6-month contracts, according to DOTC, are only temporary solutions to the ongoing MRT3 glitches and issues.

For long-term improvement efforts, DOTC has earmarked P6.8 billion ($150.23 million) for the upgrade and rehabilitation of MRT3.

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

$1 = P45.27

MRT3 Ayala Station exterior photo from Wikipedia

Man pressing elevator button photo from Shutterstock