The Department of Transportation (DOTr) will bid out this year the contract for the construction and design of the Unified Grand Central Station, a common station project that will link rail systems in Metro Manila.
According to Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon, the agency is still reviewing the design and mode of bidding for the common station project.
“What we really want to explore is the PPP [ Public Private Partnership] mode. I don’t want a repeat of what happened with the BFC (a previous project) contract. Now, we’re carefully studying options through the rail team. We’re looking closely at PPP. We’re open to any of the modes, but for us, PPP is the safest so we can avoid issues.” Dizon said in an interview at the recent post SONA event.
In addition, Dizon said that the government will proceed with a solicited bidding process within the year. “The target (completion) is 2027, in time for the MRT 7 operations. That’s the goal. But we need to get things in order this year,” he added.
Last March, the DOTr terminated its contract with BFC-FDSC originally awarded under the previous administration in February 2019, for delays in building Area A of the common station, which connects LRT-1 and MRT-3.
This contract was to cover Area A, which would have included the construction of the platform and concourse connecting the LRT-1 and MRT-3 systems.
The common station is divided into three sections: Area A, which houses the platform and concourse for LRT-1 and MRT-3; Area B, which connects Areas A and the Metro Manila subway system via two concourses; and Area C, where the MRT-7 platform will be located.
Meanwhile, the concourse linking the Trinoma mall to the rail system will be financed and constructed by the Ayala Group, and the concourse for MRT-7 will be developed and funded by San Miguel Corp.
Situated in North Edsa, Quezon City, the Common Station features a 13,700-square meter concourse, ensuring rail passengers of seamless transfers.
The common station will also have an intermodal integrated system, allowing commuters to depart by buses, jeepneys, or taxis.
