THE Department of Transportation (DOTr) has tapped the Asian Development Bank (ADB) as technical advisor for the bidding of three flagship projects.
The projects are the operation and maintenance (O&M) of the Metro Rail Transit line 3 (MRT-3) and Davao Public Transport Modernization Project (DPTMP) as well as the extension of the Philippine Automatic Fare Collection System (AFCS) project concession.
The DOTr and ADB on Thursday signed agreements for transaction advisory services for the three flagship projects.
Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said in a statement the agreements are testaments to the existing collaborative relations between the ADB, Public-Private Partnership Center and DOTr.
“These agreements for ADB transaction services will help us fast-track project structuring towards a better commuting experience, while ensuring these are compliant to global standards,” Bautista said.
DOTr targets to open the bidding for the MRT-3’s O&M by the first quarter of next year, as the 25-year concession agreement with the private concessionaire expires in July 2025.
Bautista noted the need for MRT-3’s operations to continue a year before the ownership of the rail line is turned over to the government.
The DOTr, meanwhile, will determine the best protocols for the O&M of the DPTMP, which was launched last February.
Bautista also said engaging ADB’s technical assistance extends the concession agreement for the AFCS.
“This Davao transport modernization and automatic fare collection projects are major strides in transforming public transport, even when they are still years from completion,” he said.
