DOTC eyes privatizing LRT 1 operations

MANILA, Philippines -  The Department of Transportation and Communications is keen on bidding out the operation and maintenance of the Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line 1, DOTC Secretary Jose de Jesus said yesterday.

“The private sector can manage it more efficiently,” he said, noting that the DOTC is resorting to privatizing the line’s operations due to the frequent train breakdowns and operation disruptions.

LRT 1, which runs from Baclaran in Parañaque City to Roosevelt Avenue in Quezon City, has been plagued by frequent bogdowns and service disruptions.

LRT Authority spokesman Hernando Cabrerra said LRTA officials are not opposing the DOTC’s move. He said the LRT 1’s problems were traced to the “non-operation of vital equipment and machines due to the slow procurement process, caused mainly by government procurement laws.”

The latest disruption at the LRT 1 occurred Thursday night, when a loose wire in the signaling system caused a section of the line – from Balintawak to Roosevelt – to shut down for two hours.

Regular passengers are also complaining of the manual fare collection at the stations because the line’s automated fare collection system needs to be repaired.