Gov't defends MRT-LRT common station price tag | ABS-CBN

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Gov't defends MRT-LRT common station price tag

Gov't defends MRT-LRT common station price tag

ABS-CBN News

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MANILA - A terminal that will connect two of the capital's train systems is "future-proof," a transportation official told a congressional hearing Monday on allegations the project was overpriced.

The LRT-MRT common station's price tag ballooned to P2.8 billion from the initial P778 million to ensure "passenger convenience and efficiency," said Timothy John Batan, project development officer at the Department of Transportation.

The cost of adding capacity to the terminal will be shouldered by private builders, he said.

"Umakyat lang po yung budget dahil po kinakailangan natin siya para ma-improve yung passenger convenience at efficiency," he said.

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(The budget had to be increased because we need to improve passenger convenience and efficiency.)

The improvement works however will not mean higher fares, said transportation assistant secretary Leaf Quiambao.

The facility was borne out of "compromise" among rival businessmen because commuters were not consulted, said Renato Reyes, secretary-general of the left-wing Bagong Alyansang Makabayan.

The project was delayed for seven years, partly due to legal wrangling between Ayala Corp. and SM Prime Holdings on the location of the station.

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