17 December 2012, Official Gazette
Press Release from the Department of Transportation and Communications
The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC), in cooperation with the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center, will hold tomorrow (December 18) a prebid investors’ conference for the P1.72-billion LRT/MRT Automatic Fare Collection System (AFCS) Project, which aims to introduce smart card-based technology initially for the three light rail systems, and eventually to other modes of mass transportation.
The investors’ conference will be held from 1:00 to 5:00 pm at the Discovery Suites in Ortigas Center, Pasig City.
At the investors’ conference, the DOTC and PPP Center will provide attendees relevant information on the AFCS project. Key stakeholders and government parties involved in the projects will also be introduced at the event and present an in-depth description of AFCS and the bidding process.
Among the speakers at the conference include DOTC Undersecretary Rene K. Limcaoco, PPP Executive Director Cosette Canilao who will talk about the Philippines’ PPP strategy; DOTC Assistant Secretary Jaime Feliciano who will describe the AFCS project; and a representative from transaction advisors Jeroen in ‘t Veld and RebelGroup bv who will explain the AFCS tender process.
“We want to have an open and transparent bidding process for all our projects to ensure that the public is provided with convenient, safe and reliable transport system,” Secretary of Transportation and Communications Joseph Emilio Aguinaldo Abaya said. “The AFCS is one of the significant rail transport projects that will help ease transfer from one rail system to another, hence allow our people to travel faster and conveniently.”
Similar to what Octopus smart card used in Hong Kong’s public transport systems and convenient stores, the AFCS is envisioned to replace the separate and incompatible ticketing systems currently used at LRT1, LRT2 and MRT3. This tap-and-go system will also enhance fare collection efficiency by reducing leakage and fraud.
In the future, the system can be expanded to include other transport modes such as buses, toll roads and the Philippine National Railways (PNR).
The project, which was approved by the President and the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Board on November 30, entails the design, installation and construction of the new AFCS for LRT1, LRT2, and MRT3; its maintenance for a concession period of ten years beginning full systems acceptance; provision of contactless media or tickets; and the operation of the AFCS Central Clearing House.
