The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has extended the maintenance and rehabilitation contract of Japan’s Sumitomo Corp. for the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) by another year, securing the continuity of service and laying the groundwork for long-term system improvements.
Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon confirmed the extension, saying, “We renewed it… until next year so that there are no problems in maintaining the MRT-3 system.”
The extension builds on a ₱7.38-billion contract originally signed in May 2023 between the DOTr, Sumitomo, and Oriental Consultants Global. The contract now runs until July 2025 and includes expanded scope beyond routine maintenance. These additions include track extension, installation of signaling systems for the unified Common Station, and the expansion of pocket tracks—crucial for increasing train capacity from three to four cars.
For commuters, the deal promises a more efficient, less congested ride on EDSA’s busiest rail line. DOTr expects these enhancements to boost train frequency and shorten waiting times, especially during peak hours.
While Sumitomo’s contract has been extended, Secretary Dizon reiterated that plans to privatize the operations and maintenance (O&M) of MRT-3 are moving forward, with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) assisting in the transition.
Currently, MRT-3 is operated by the government, while its infrastructure is owned by Metro Rail Transit Corp. (MRTC), a private consortium led by businessman Robert John Sobrepeña’s Metro Rail Transit Holdings II Inc.
In a separate effort to expand capacity, Dizon also tasked Sumitomo with accelerating the commissioning of unused Dalian train cars. Six additional light rail vehicles (LRVs) are expected to be operational by year-end, with the remaining 42 targeted for deployment in 2026.
These initiatives are expected to significantly improve the commuting experience for hundreds of thousands of daily riders on the MRT-3, reinforcing the government’s commitment to reliable, modern public transit.
