The government’s plan to modernize and privatize the operations of MRT Line 3 has attracted strong interest from both local and foreign investors, with 74 companies joining initial discussions for the massive railway rehabilitation project.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) said the firms participated in a recent market sounding activity for the MRT-3 Capacity Expansion, Operations, and Maintenance Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Project held at the headquarters of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Mandaluyong City.
Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said the project forms part of the administration’s push to improve public transportation services through stronger private sector participation.
“With the help of the private sector, the expansion of the MRT-3 can be done. We are doing it for the hassle-free travel of commuters,” Lopez said.
The planned PPP project covers the operations and maintenance of the existing MRT-3 system, including upgrades to trains, signaling systems, depots, communications, and power infrastructure.
The winning bidder will also be tasked with integrating additional rolling stock, introducing Dalian trains into commercial service, and managing MRT-3 operations at the Common Station to ensure uninterrupted rail services.
DOTr Undersecretary for Railways Timothy John Batan described the turnout as a strong indication of investor confidence in the project’s long-term viability.
According to Batan, MRT-3’s consistently high passenger volume remains one of the project’s strongest selling points, with ridership historically reaching between 620,000 and 630,000 commuters daily.
“This MRT-3 PPP is a very viable and promising project,” Batan said, noting that the participation of companies from 14 countries reflects growing confidence in the Philippine government’s infrastructure program.
Officials from the ADB and the PPP Center of the Philippines also expressed support for the initiative, which aims to improve connectivity and commuter experience in Metro Manila.
ADB Country Director Andrew Jeffries said the institution is proud to support efforts to modernize one of the country’s busiest urban rail systems.
The MRT-3 rehabilitation project is among the government’s flagship transport initiatives aimed at reducing congestion and improving mobility in the capital region.