MRT3 prepared to assume maintaining rail system if deal with BURI ends

September 29, 2017

The management of Metro Rail Transit (MRT) Line 3 on Friday said it is prepared to assume  maintenance of the mass rail system if the transportation department decides to end the contract of Busan Universal Rail Inc. (BURI).

“Actually, we are preparing just in case (Transportation) Secretary [Arthur] Tugade will cancel [BURI’s maintenance contract]. We are prepared to take over and have a continuity in the maintenance of the line,” MRT3 general nanager Rodolfo Garcia said  at the sidelines of the groundbreaking ceremony of Common Station for LRT1, MRT3, MRT7 and Metro Manila subway.

Garcia said the MRT3 management is coming  up a transition team for this.

Tugade said there is no decision to end BURI’s contract. “We are waiting for the recommendation from MRT3,” Tugade added.

Transport Undersecretary for Rail Cesar Chavez earlier recommended terminating BURI’s contract due to breakdowns and allegations of purchasing and installing fake spare parts for the trains. BURI has denied this. DMS