IN response to news reports alleging that MRT 3 is up for sale, the Department of Transportation clarifies it is considering the possibility of turning over the Operations & Maintenance (O&M) of MRT 3 to qualified private sector operators towards improving its operational efficiency.
Transportation Secretary Jaime J. Bautista stressed that “railway systems should remain the most affordable and safest mode of mass transit in the country.”
Operations of railways in the metropolis LRT 1, LRT 2, MRT 3 continue to be subsidized by government to keep fare levels affordable.
We are looking at partnering with private rail operators for MRT-3’s operations and maintenance under the same scheme with LRT 1 with the rail lines assets remaining government owned, added Bautista.
Privatizing MRT 3s O&M is expected not only to enhance efficiency and safety but also reduce operational cost to be able to maintain affordable fares.
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