The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is reviewing a proposal to bundle the operations of Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) and Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1) under a single concession, as part of efforts to improve the financial viability of rail public-private partnerships. An unsolicited proposal from a private group already engaged in rail operations is being developed.
Acting Transport Secretary Giovanni Lopez said consolidating MRT-3 and LRT-1 operations could make commercial sense, given their interconnections along EDSA and the planned Unified Grand Central Station by 2027. MRT-3 served around 388,000 passengers daily in 2025, while LRT-1 handled nearly 324,000 passengers per day in 2024, making them Metro Manila’s busiest rail lines.
The review follows ongoing challenges faced by LRT-1 operator Light Rail Manila Corp., including losses linked to delayed fare adjustments and right-of-way issues on the Cavite Extension. Economists said clearer regulatory execution, predictable fare mechanisms, and faster ROW acquisition are critical to restoring investor confidence in Philippine rail concessions.