By Gabriela Baron
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Wednesday, Nov. 9, belied claims that the Metro Rail Transit 3 (MRT-3) will be sold to private sector operators.
Transportation Secretary Jaime J. Bautista, however, said the DOTr is “considering the possibility” of turning over the Operations & Maintenance (O&M) of MRT-3 to qualified private sector operators to “improve its operational efficiency.”
“Railway systems should remain the most affordable and safest mode of mass transit in the country,” Bautista said.
The official clarified that operations of Light Rail Transit (LRT) 1, LRT 2, and MRT-3 continue to be subsidized by the government to keep fare levels affordable.
“We are looking at partnering with private rail operators for MRT-3’s operations and maintenance under the same scheme with LRT-1 with the rail lines assets remaining government owned,” he added.
“Privatizing MRT-3’s O&M is expected not only to enhance efficiency and safety but also reduce operational cost to be able to maintain affordable fares.” –ag
