DTS Dizon: LRT-2 to be privatized via PPP

Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon announced on Thursday that the government plans to privatize operations of the Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT-2) via public-private partnership (PPP), citing President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s approval.

Dizon emphasized the need for improved operations and maintenance due to ridership growth and planned extensions, such as the recent extension to Antipolo and a future expansion toward North Harbor.

The Department of Transportation has partnered with international financial institutions like the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank's International Finance Corp. to facilitate the PPP plans.

Secretary Dizon assured that there will be no immediate fare increases once operations are handed over to private entities, stressing continued government regulation on fares.

Although LRT-2 suffered an hours-long outage due to power issues earlier this week, disrupting morning commutes, Dizon stated that bidding for LRT-2's PPP could begin soon.