The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has sealed a P7.38 billion contract with Sumitomo Corporation for the rehabilitation and maintenance of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3), aiming to enhance the safety and efficiency of the rail system.
Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista announced that Sumitomo, the original designer, builder, and initial maintenance provider of MRT-3, will undertake the rehabilitation and maintenance works for the next 26 months.
Bautista emphasized the significance of this maintenance extension contract in ensuring the safety, efficiency, and convenience of public transport.
He also highlighted that Sumitomo will introduce four-car train sets, replacing the existing three-car sets, which will significantly increase the daily ridership to more than half a million passengers per day. This move will complement the services provided by the EDSA Bus Carousel.
Furthermore, Bautista expressed the objective of bringing the MRT-3 in line with the train systems of developed countries.
He said that extending the maintenance contracts for MRT-3 is crucial in ensuring trouble-free operations for Metro Manila’s second rapid transit line.