By Azer N. Parrocha
MANILA, July 23 (PNA) — The acquisition of 120 coaches for the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1) is in the works, the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) said on Thursday.
According to the DOTC, the acquisition of these coaches is part of the LRT-1’s Cavite Extension Project, designed to extend the current line from Baclaran in Paranaque City to Niog in Bacoor City, Cavite.
The national government has set aside PhP30 billion for this project, which will be bid out later this year.
If bidding pushes through, the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) said the supply contract for the LRT-1 may be awarded by December.
Meanwhile, delivery of the first eight coaches is expected by 2017.
To recall, the civil works component of the LRT-1 Cavite Extension Project was awarded to the Light Rail Manila Consortium (LRMC).
LRMC will operate and maintain the existing line as well as be in charge of extending it.
DOTC said that groups have already begun submitting eligibility documents and technical and financial proposals for the contract. (PNA)