RAADEE S. SAUSA
Two pioneering railway and transport German companies have submitted a project proposal to the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) aimed at addressing issues hounding Metro Rail Transit 3 (MRT 3).
With each company solidly backed bymore than 100 years of experience in operating railways and other transport modes, the Shunck-Group and HEAG mobilo tendered their proposal to the DOTC undersecretary for legal affairs, lawyer Jose Perpetuo Lotilla.
Calling their proposal the “Swiss Challenge,” the Schunk-Group and HEAG mobilo are offering their logistical know-how and technology transfer in rehabilitating and upgrading MRT 3.
With COMMBuilders and Technology Phils. Corp. as their local partners, the German firms have expressed hope that once approved, their proposal could solve the lingering problems facing MRT 3.
Schunk Bahn-und Industrietechnik GmbH (Schunk) has the expertise and is an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) of high-quality power transmission railway equipment.
Through its wide network, Schunk has long been able to partner itself with an established railway operator and maintenance provider—HEAG mobilo. It has been provided access to HEAG’s resources.
On the other hand, HEAG mobilo operates and maintains its own fleet of trains/trams and buses since the late 1800s. With its operations based in Darmstadt, Germany, it has 23 bus lines and nine tram lines.
The Schunk-HEAG team has the capability to supply and provide OEM equipment and spare parts for MRT 3 irrespective of brand.
The team said the bid documents for procurement of traction motors opens the door to bidders to offer non-OEM motors. It added that choosing non-OEM motors will produce a logistical nightmare in the reha-bilitation, spare parts and future maintenance.
Compared to other proposals, its offer addressed ancillary power and considered 48 new trains, new stabling area, new elevators and escalators, new public address system, public information system, new toilets, platform gates, CCTV, signaling system, rail replacement and rail grinding.