Top local and international private companies have expressed keen interest in the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) Capacity Expansion, Operations, and Maintenance (CEOM) Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Project. This follows a highly successful joint Market Sounding activity held by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) at the ADB Headquarters in Mandaluyong City.
The initiative directly aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive for the DOTr to collaborate closely with the private sector to modernize the MRT-3’s infrastructure and elevate the overall commuter experience.
“Sa tulong ng pribadong sektor, magagawa ang expansion ng MRT-3. Ginagawa natin ito para sa hassle-free na biyahe ng mga komyuter. At natutuwa tayo na maraming kumpanya ang interesado sa proyektong ito,” said Transportation Secretary Banoy Lopez, emphasizing that private sector integration is key to delivering seamless travel for the riding public.
DOTr Undersecretary for Railways Timothy John Batan highlighted the overwhelming turnout as a testament to the project’s immense commercial viability.
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Proven Track Record: As an active, existing rail line, the MRT-3 boasts a historically proven daily ridership capable of reaching 620,000 to 630,000 passengers.
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Global Interest: The market sounding event drew 74 local and international companies spanning 14 countries, signaling robust global confidence in the Philippine government’s infrastructure pipeline.
The project has garnered staunch backing from key development and regulatory partners, highlighting the strategic necessity of the privatization effort.
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Andrew Jeffries, ADB Country Director for the Philippines: “With this MRT-3 CEOM PPP Project, we’re proud and quite privileged to be a partner of the government of the Philippines in this endeavor to improve the overall connectivity for the Filipino people.”
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Rizza Blanco-Latorre, PPP Center Executive Director & Undersecretary: “The DOTr has consistently supported public-private partnerships and continues to recognize the private sector’s capacity to help deliver world-class transportation infrastructures and services.”
The winning bidder will be tasked with a comprehensive overhaul and management modernization of the transit line. The scope of work includes:
| Project Component | Key Responsibilities & Deliverables |
| Operations & Maintenance | Smooth transition and management of the existing line with zero service interruptions. |
| Station Management | Direct oversight of the designated MRT-3 areas within the Unified Grand Central Station (Common Station). |
| Fleet Expansion | Integration of new Dalian trains into commercial service and the procurement of additional rolling stock. |
| System Upgrades | Comprehensive modernization of critical infrastructure, including signaling, depot, power, and communication systems. |
Through this landmark PPP project, the DOTr reaffirms its commitment to transforming the country’s mass transit system into a world-class network, fueled by transparency, efficiency, and strong private sector synergy.
