34 MRT escalators to be rehabilitated

THE Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) has awarded the contract to rehabilitate the remaining escalators of the problematic Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3).

In a statement Thursday, DOTC said the P65.48-million project, which covers all 34 Mitsubishi-brand escalators, was awarded to International Elevator & Equipment, Inc. (IEEI) through the Department of Budget and Management’s Procurement Service.

IEEI holds proprietary rights to rehabilitate the second batch of escalators, being the brand’s exclusive distributor.

"It will undertake such works within 223 calendar days from the issuance of the Notice to Proceed," DOTC said.

The MRT-3 stations where escalators will be refurbished include Araneta Center-Cubao (eight units), Shaw Boulevard (eight units), Boni (two units), Buendia (four units), Ayala (10 units) and Taft (two units).

"This project aims to provide relief to commuters — especially senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and pregnant women," DOTC said.

The remaining batch of conveyance facilities that is under procurement consists of the total replacement of 32 escalators, which became obsolete in 2013. Earlier this year, the DOTC announced the completion of the first batch of escalator refurbishment. (SDR/Sunnex)