Manila: The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has invited companies from Japan to invest in a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) aimed at enhancing the Metro Railway Transit Line 3 (MRT-3).

According to Philippines News Agency, DOTr Acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez announced that at least 26 reputable companies from Japan have shown interest in the MRT-3 project. This initiative aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to prioritize the modernization of MRT-3 due to its crucial role in facilitating fast passenger mobility across Metro Manila.

Lopez described the MRT-3 PPP as more than just an investment opportunity, emphasizing its potential to reshape daily transportation for millions of Filipinos. He reiterated the DOTr's commitment to building a railway system that meets the needs of the public and expressed eagerness to collaborate with the private sector to realize this vision.

The MRT-3 Capacity Expansion, Operations, and Maintenance PPP was introduced to Japanese companies during a market sounding event organized by the DOTr and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Tokyo, Japan, on June 23. At the event, DOTr Assistant Secretary for Railways Eduardo Danilo Macabulos highlighted the severe congestion in the Philippines, suggesting that engaging private companies through projects like this could offer solutions.

Macabulos pointed out that the primary goal is to save time for the public, underscoring the significant impact of giving Filipinos even an extra hour or two in their day. He emphasized that the MRT-3 PPP is part of a larger strategy to shape the future of Philippine transportation, alongside other projects such as the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR), Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP), Light Rail Transit-2 (LRT-2), and the Philippine Automated Fare Collection System PPPs.

These initiatives are components of the DOTr's comprehensive 30-year Railway Master Plan, which aims to establish a more connected, efficient, and sustainable railway network throughout the Philippines.