Unification of DOTC and MRTC Before MRT3 Shutdown #PublishingArticles

Unification of DOTC and MRTC Before MRT3 Shutdown #PublishingArticles

There are so many things to consider by the government when it comes to MRT3 train system solutions, in which, breakdowns are notably damaging the whole operations and management. Likewise, these breakdowns create chaos to the riding public, management, workers and even the businessmen behind this endeavor.

It’s an open book to some known observers about the negative relationship of the DOTC and the MRTC, but majority of the Filipinos did not know the exact status of MRT3 operation in EDSA. MRTC’s Bob Sobrepena interview with the media network, revealed the truth about the maintenance provider, the ownership, the case, the operations and management, and other facets of contracts & negotiations.

The Senate hearing compromised both parties to clear-out things according to their manner of understanding which could not be solved without unity and compromise agreement.

While these problems are still haunting the government, the commuters’ sacrifices will increase upon the news of renovation and development of MRT3. This renovation of MRT3 needs to be closed the operation and services to augment with the train breakdowns.

The shutdown thing moved some Filipinos to negatively realized into their own sentiments and understanding. While others, conformed positively for the total renovation of the MRT3.

We have to remember that the government operates MRT3 under a build-lease-transfer (BLT) contract with Metro Rail Transit Corp (MRTC), which majority owned by privately-held MRT II Holdings.

MRT3 runs from North Avenue in Quezon City to Taft Avenue in Pasay City, serving nearly 500,000 passengers per day, or way beyond its rated capacity of about 350,000. Capacity expansion has been stalled because of disputes between the private owner and the government.

The rail system has a fleet of 73 Czech-made rail cars, of which up to 60 three-car trains operate daily. The trains run at a maximum speed of 65 kilometers per hour to cover the rail system’s 13 stations in about 30 minutes, including short dwell times of about 25-35 seconds in each station.

What will be the outcome for Metro Rail Transit (MRT-3) system's shutdown? And, what the government will do to balance the situation?

My answers for these questions will be: the DOTC should sit down with MRTC people and unify their differences. Assign an expert Manager to plan, execute, and monitor the works and management. In addition, get the services of an expert maintenance provider. It should be in a timeframe for finishing the whole renovation. Likewise, the MRT3 closure and renovation should be coordinated with MMDA Director, the bus owners and the riding public.

The DOTC should be the one to initiate the unification with MRTC and MRT II Holdings for concurrent compromise agreement for the good of all concerned. Nonetheless, agreements by both parties could be the starting point in bringing the positive outcome for MRT3 endeavors. Likewise, the next step after the renovation is the development of adding another railway going to different places outside Metro Manila.

When applying for solutions like the MRT3 problems, the initiator should come from the government first rather than the opposite party. They are leaders of the whole nation and they should act like one, think like one.