The Department of Transportation (DOTr) announced on Friday that it will bid out the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) project this year to privatize the line.

The agency aims to have the concession—amounting to ₱103.6 billion—awarded by mid-2027.

Transportation Secretary Giovanni “Banoy” Lopez said that while the DOTr will retain authority over fares, the project will be a partnership between the public and private sectors.

“Through public-private partnership, we bring in the expertise and investment this line needs. Ang kailangan natin dito ‘yung may matagal ng experience sa pagpapatakbo ng riles para sa kapakinabangan ng mga komyuter. At lilinawin ko po, mananatili pa rin sa DOTr ang pagtatakda ng pamasahe,” he said.

Payments to the concessionaire will be linked to the delivery of services and compliance with performance standards, the DOTr said.

Performance standards include train availability and reliability, on-time performance, and the proper maintenance of trains and facilities, including cleanliness, for which the private operator will be held responsible.

The concession agreement will also ensure a modernized MRT-3, following a refleeting of trains and a resignaled system to allow for improved capacity, reliability, and operational efficiency.

The DOTr, working alongside the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has been conducting market-sounding activities throughout the year, including those held in Singapore and Tokyo, Japan, so as to attract investors.

Over 388,000 passengers ride the MRT-3 daily across its 13 stations along EDSA.