Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 2) — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is now looking for the “most qualified and experienced” private operator for two big-ticket railway projects of the government, and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) will help in the selection process.
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The DOTr and the ADB on Thursday signed transaction advisory services agreements for the privatization of the operations and maintenance of the Metro Manila Subway and the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR).
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“By extending the ADB’s advisory services on the Metro Manila Subway Project and the North-South Commuter Railway, we can fine-tune the selection process for the most qualified and experienced private sector operators for these railway projects,” Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said in a statement.
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Bautista added that the ADB will help them through the preparation, structuring, and procurement of the concessionaire for the projects.
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The subway is the country’s first-ever underground railway system, which stretches from Valenzuela City to Bicutan in Taguig. Once completed, the project is expected to service over 519,000 commuters daily.
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The NSCR, on the other hand, will pass across 28 cities and municipalities within the regions of Central Luzon, the National Capital Region, and Calabarzon.
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The DOTr, meanwhile, said it is turning to the ADB for advice on the modernization of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
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“We look forward in earnest to the ADB’s advice on how to best proceed in modernizing and expanding NAIA,” Bautista said.
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