The Philippines’ Department of Transportation (DOTr) is reviewing a proposal to combine the operations and maintenance (O&M) contracts for Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT-2) and Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) as it updates investment and public-private partnership parameters. The department is assessing whether bundling the contracts would improve operational efficiency, noting that the two lines serve different markets. Meanwhile, 74 domestic and international firms have expressed interest in the planned bidding for the MRT-3 concession.
Solicited bidding for the MRT-3 concession is expected to begin by October 2026, with bid submissions targeted for March 2027 and contract award expected between June and July 2027. The winning bidder is expected to take over operations by October 2027. The concession will cover capacity expansion, operations and maintenance, fare collection and commercial rights within stations, subject to revenue-sharing arrangements with the government. MRT-3 returned to full government control following the expiry of its agreement with Metro Rail Transit Corporation in July 2025.