DOTC buys new MRT-3 trains for 2015 delivery

The Aquino administration is buying 48 new light rail vehicles (LRV) for the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) 3 through EDSA after a court junked a petition against the move, Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio “Jun” Abaya said Monday. 

 

“The supplier can now start manufacturing the 48 brand new LRVs, which will be delivered in tranches starting in the second half of 2015,” Abaya said in a statement.

 

According to the statement, the Notice to Proceed was issued “upon the dismissal of the case.”

 

Dalian Locomotive and Rolling Stock Company of China, which won the public bidding conducted last year, has 18 months to deliver the prototypes for testing, and deliver the remaining LRVs in tranches over the next 18 months. 

 

The Department of Transportation and Communications has secured commitment from Dalian expediting the delivery of the prototype within 12 months and the remaining LRVs in monthly tranches over the succeeding year. 

 

Petition junked

Last Friday, Makati Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 66 junked the instant petition for preliminary injunction filed by Metro Rail Transit Holdings II Inc. (MRTH II), the parent company of MRT-3 asset holder Metro Rail Transit Corp. (MRTC). 

 

The court cited Republic Act No. 8975, which states that only the Supreme Court can enjoin government infrastructure projects from proceeding. 

 

Another arbitration case involving the equity value buy-out of MRTC is already on-going in Singapore.

 

"They (MRTC) were clearly more than willing to file a baseless petition and delay the project at the expense of the public,”  Abaya said, noting that the Transport and Finance departments are doing their best to hasten the take over of MRTC. – Siegfrid Alegado/VS, GMA News