THE Department of Transportation (DoTr) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Thursday signed three agreements to improve the delivery of key transportation projects in the country.
The agreements for transaction advisory services cover the operations and maintenance of Manila Metro Rail (MRT) Line 3, the Davao Public Transport Modernization Project (DPTMP) operations and maintenance, and the Philippine Automatic Fare Collection System (AFCS) project.
Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said the agreements were a testament to the existing collaborative relations between the ADB, Public-Private Partnership Center and the DoTr.
“These agreements for ADB transaction services will help us fast-track project structuring toward a better commuting experience while ensuring these are compliant to global standards,” Bautista said.
The transportation chief cited the need for MRT Line 3 operations to continue a year before ownership of the railway system is officially turned over to the government.
The DoTr, meanwhile, will determine the best protocols for the operation and maintenance of the DPTMP, which was launched in February this year.
Bautista added that engaging the ADB’s technical assistance extended the concession agreement for the AFCS.
The AFCS allows for the use of EMV-compliant contactless credit, debit and prepaid bank cards as cashless payment instruments in public transport and is considered safe and secure, and can provide revenue protection for operators.
The DPTMP seeks to create a modern public transportation system for Davao City, which would employ electric buses and diesel-powered buses that meet Euro-5 standards. It will also entail standardized operations and timetables, designated bus stops with shelters and lighting, and designated bus lanes in selected road sections among others.
“This Davao transport modernization and automatic fare collection projects are major strides in transforming public transport, even when they are still years from completion,” Bautista said.
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