DOTC meet German supplier for MRT prototype train system

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) is set to discuss next week with German suppliers of traction systems, gearboxes and brake systems the delivery schedules of the items to expedite the testing of the prototype trains for the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3).

In a statement, DOTC Secretary Joseph Abaya said a team would visit Dalian, China next week to meet with German suppliers Voith and Knorr-Bremse.

“To fasttrack the whole process, we met with officials from the German Embassy, Voith, and Knorr-Bremse a few weeks back regardingdelivery schedules. Next week, our team will discuss the details with these suppliers, so we can explore ways to provide more trains to the public earlier than scheduled,” he said.

Voith is the manufacturer of the traction systems and gearboxes for the 48 brand new coaches of the MRT-3 line, while Knorr-Bremse is in charge of the brake systems.

“As we announced last June, static testing will be conducted from September to October. Meanwhile, dynamic testing was scheduled from November to December, when these parts will be delivered from Germany,” Abaya said.

The prototype train cars from winning bidder Dalian Locomotive Rolling Stock Co. of China arrived at the MRT-3 depot in Quezon City last week.

The MRT-3 capacity expansion project involves the acquisition of 48 new trains to be delivered in the first quarter of next year.

Aside from acquiring new trains for the MRT-3, the DOTC is also set to award the P4.25 billion contract for the three-year total maintenance provider of the train line via negotiated procurement.