THE Department of Transportation on Friday signed a memorandum of agreement (MOU) with Canadian company Bombardier Transportation for the procurement of an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) signaling spare parts and maintenance of MRT-3’s signaling system.

The MOU also extends to a two-year contract for Bombadier as a maintenance provider for MRT-3 through direct contracting and emergency procurement.

The Canadian company has been supplying and maintaining the train’s signaling system for the first 12 years of operations, being the propriety rights owner of Cityflo 250 Light Rail and Metro Signaling Solution, which is used in the MRT-3.

However, DOTr decided to procure spare parts and maintenance services from a third party, which had failed to provide quality service.

The use of non-OEM signaling spare parts was done to save costs but is one of the reasons for the frequent breakdowns of the MRT-3, DOTr secretary Arthur P. Tugado said.

“For years, MRT-3’s signaling system was not maintained properly, and was not upgraded when due. That is why this time, we want to be sure that we get the right spare parts and that we maintain the system right,” he added.

“Bombardier’s track record is exceptional. They are the original manufacturer of MRT-3’s signaling system, and we are directly dealing with Bombardier, not a [joint venture], not a consortium, not any middleman.” — Anna G. A. Mogato

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