The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has extended its maintenance contract with Sumitomo Corporation for the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) by another year to ensure continued smooth operations of the rail system.
Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon confirmed the contract signed in May 2023 was renewed in July this year.
“We renewed it — I think one year until next year. It’s a JICA [Japan International Cooperation Agency] loan, so it will continue to avoid any issues in maintaining the MRT-3 system,” Dizon said.
The original contract between DOTr, Sumitomo, and Oriental Consultants Global was worth P7.38 billion and covers the rehabilitation and maintenance of MRT-3 until July 2025.
According to the DOTr, the new scope includes the extension of rail lines and the installation of signaling systems connecting to the common station shared with other lines.
It also covers expansion of the pocket track to accommodate longer trains (from three to four cars), along with regular main line maintenance.
Dizon earlier said that plans to privatize the MRT-3’s operations and maintenance (O&M) will push through despite Sumitomo’s extended role.
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has been tapped to assist in the privatization process.
The government operates MRT-3, while Metro Rail Transit Corp. (MRTC) — owned by Metro Rail Transit Holdings II Inc. led by businessman Robert John Sobrepeña — is responsible for the system’s original design and construction.
The DOTr is also moving to fast-track the testing and deployment of unused Dalian light rail vehicles (LRVs) to boost capacity.
Dizon said six additional Dalian train cars will be deployed in 2025, with another 42 trains expected on track by 2026 — a move aimed at increasing passenger capacity and improving commuter experience.
