DOTC extends doc submission for LRT-2 O&M

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) has deferred anew the submission of prequalification documents for the operation and maintenance (O&M) contract for Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT-2) to give bidders more time to complete their documents.

DOTC Undersecretary Jose Perpetuo Lotilla issued General Bid Bulletin 05-2014 extending the deadline for the submission of prequalification documents for the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) project to Jan. 27 from Dec. 15.

 “In view of the numerous requests from prospective bidders, the submission and opening of qualification documents is moved from Dec. 15 to Jan. 27,” he said.

This is the second extension given by the DOTC as the original schedule was last Nov. 20 but was moved to Dec. 15.

A dozen companies have expressed interest in the PPP project. Among those that earlier bought bid documents include the tandem of conglomerate Ayala Corp. and infrastructure giant Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC) through Light Rail Manila Consortium (LRMC), GT Capital Holdings of taipan George SK Ty, diversified conglomerate San Miguel Corp., Marubeni Corp. of Japan, RATP Development, and DMCI Holdings Inc.

Other companies include Miescorrail of electricity giant Manila Electric Co. (Meralco), Hyundai Rotem Co., TUV Rheiland, Aboitiz Equity Ventures, SMRT International, and MTR Hong Kong.

Lotilla earlier said the government is pushing PPP projects that would make the transportation system in the country more efficient and safe.

 “In line with the government’s objective to make everything more efficient, more nimble and address the needs of the people in Metro Manila – this project was conceived and being offered to the private sector to do the operation and maintenance”, he said.

The winning bidder would operate and maintain the existing 13.8-kilometer LRT-2 from C. M. Recto Ave. in Avenida, Manila to Santolan in Pasig City with 11 stations as well as the proposed P9.7-billion extension project covering an additional 4.19 kilometers and two stations all the way to Masinag in Antipolo City.

The winner would also operate and maintain other future extension of the LRT-2 system. The extension is expected to further increase the current 200,000 daily passenger volume of the mass transit system that traverses the cities of Manila, San Juan, Quezon City, Marikina and Pasig.