The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has called on international partners and the private sector to support the privatization of North and South Commuter Rail (NSCR) operations and maintenance (O&M) under Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement.
During a market sounding activity in Singapore, Secretary Vince Dizon said the Marcos administration wants to give back time to commuters, who endure the daily hardships of commuting.
Dizon addressed delegates from Singapore, Japan, France, and South Korea.
With the help of other countries and multilateral partners such as the Asian Development Bank (ADB), as well as InfraAsia, Dizon noted Philippines can build a public transportation model similar to progressive countries.
Dizon said the government has tapped the assistance of the private sector by privatizing the operations and maintenance (O&M) of the NSCR project under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement.
The project is targeted to be fully operational by 2032,and the rail line’s partial operation from Valenzuela to Malolos, Bulacan is expected in December 2027, while the Malolos to Clark International Airport (CRK) segment is seen to start in October 2028.
The 147-kilometer railway is designed to transport 750,000 passengers daily, cutting travel time for communities in National Capital Region (NCR), Bulacan, Pampanga, and Calamba, Laguna.
Meanwhile, DOTr, through the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB), has directed all airlines to provide passengers with timely and accurate updates on their flight status.
This is in line with the President’s directive to ensure convenient and hassle-free air travel experience to all Filipinos.
In a statement on Tuesday, August 19, DOTr said that delayed announcements on flight changes, delays or cancellations cause significant inconvenience to passengers, disrupting their pre-arranged plans, and subjecting them to additional expenses for meals or accommodations.
Under the Air Passenger Bill of Rights (APBR), particularly Sections 8 to 11, airlines are mandated to promptly inform passengers of any flight changes, delays, or cancellations, and to extend all possible assistance to affected travelers, including the option of immediate refunds.
The DOTr emphasized that airlines must uphold the full value of service purchased by passengers, and ensure their safety, convenience, and welfare at all times.
