The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is inviting international and local partners to manage the operations and maintenance of the new 147-kilometer North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) System.
DOTr Undersecretary for Railways Timothy John Batan said during a market-sounding event at the Asian Development Bank (ADB) that the country’s railway sector is “open for business.”
The agency said 22 foreign and local companies attended the event, including firms from several countries known for their extensive rail networks.
“We hope that those who are considering coming for the first time in the Philippines receive the message that we are open for business to anyone, from anywhere in the world,” Batan said during the event on Sept. 4.
Batan said mass rail systems are “transformational” and provide solutions to urban traffic congestion.
“What we are working on is something that will change the lives of Filipinos, and as our very new Secretary has said, the goal is simple… to give back time. This is the time that has been taken from millions of commuters in this country for several decades,” Batan said.
The NSCR will reduce travel time from Clark International Airport in Pampanga to Calamba, Laguna to less than three hours, from the current four hours.
The 35-station rail system is expected to generate 350,000 jobs during construction and operations and serve 750,000 passengers daily at full capacity.
