DOTr eyes deployment of 48 Dalian trains this year

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) targets to deploy the 48 trains that were purchased from Chinese firm CCRC Dalian Co. for the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) within the year.

This developed as Dalian agreed to absorb the costs for the adjustments of the trains following the results of a study conducted by independent audit and assessment (IAA) consultant TUV Rheinland earlier this year.

The consultant’s findings showed that the weights and measurements of the Dalian trains did not comply with DOTr’s terms of reference.

The department is currently conducting negotiations with Japanese company Sumitomo-Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd to take over MRT system’s maintenance and rehabilitation.

“Our target for the deployment of the trains is within this year. We are also having ongoing talks with Sumitomo,” DOTr communications director Godess Hope Libiran said in a text message to the Philippine News Agency (PNA) Thursday.

In a business forum earlier this week, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade disclosed that Dalian has agreed to pay for the modifications that will be done on the trains during its meeting with Chinese government officials last week.

Tugade earlier said remedies to be done on the Dalian trains should not be shouldered by the Philippine government.

The issue on the Dalian trains must also be addressed as the DOTr prepares for the entry of a maintenance provider that will repair the train coaches and other facilities of the MRT.

The DOTr is eyeing Sumitomo to take over the maintenance operations of the MRT by the end of this month or September at the latest.

The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board Investment Coordination Committee-Cabinet Committee has approved earlier this month the PHP22.061-billion MRT maintenance project.

The rehabilitation will increase the number of train sets in operation from 15 to 18 train sets per hour, increase the maximum speed to 60 kilometers per hour and decrease headway to 200 seconds.

http://www.canadianinquirer.net/2018/08/30/dotr-eyes-deployment-48-dalian-trains-year/

Dalian agrees to absorb cost of fixing MRT trains — Tugade

THE Department of Transportation (DoTr) is targeting to deploy the trains manufactured by Chinese firm CRRC Dalian Co. for the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) by the end of the year, after securing the Chinese firm’s assurance it will shoulder the costs of any modifications.

“Pumayag na ang Dalian na kung mayroong kailangang baguhin, gastos nila. Yung spare parts, gastos nila [Dalian has agreed that for the modifications needed for the trains, they will pay for it. For the spare parts, they will pay for it],” Transportation Secretary Arthur P. Tugade told reporters after a forum on Tuesday.

Mr. Tugade said the matter of the 48 Dalian railcars, which have not been used since it was delivered in 2016 due to compatibility issues, was discussed during a meeting with Chinese government officials last week.

He said the Dalian railcars will have to be integrated into the MRT-3 system.

“Syempre kailangan kausapin din namin ‘yun para ma-integrate ‘yun. Kasi kung hindi mo i-integrate ‘yun, pag inumpisahan yung repair, how can I achieve 600,000 ridership [Of course we need to talk to them, too so we may successfully integrate the trains. If not, when the repair starts, how will I achieve a ridership of 600,000],” Mr. Tugade said.

The government hired third party auditor TUV Rheinland to assess the needed adjustments on the train sets. The review began in January and the results were submitted to the DoTr in July, but has not been disclosed to the public.

“Sinabi naman sa international audit report na hindi naman critical sa safety ng pasahero at nung system. Kaya nag-uusap din [The international audit report said it is not critical to the safety of passengers and to the system. That’s also why we’re holding discussions],” Mr. Tugade said of the proposed modifications to the rail cars.

Almost two weeks ago, the National Economic and Development Authority’s Investment Coordination Committee (NEDA-ICC) also approved the P22.061-billion restoration and maintenance project on the MRT-3. It is now up to the NEDA Board chaired by President Rodrigo R. Duterte to greenlight the project.

The DoTr is also looking to secure a deal with Sumitomo Corp. and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (Sumitomo-MHI) by the end of the month or in September to handle the maintenance of the MRT-3. — Denise A. Valdez with report from Arra B. Francia

http://www.bworldonline.com/dalian-agrees-to-absorb-cost-of-fixing-mrt-trains-tugade/