Friday, August 15, 2008 [ philstar.com ]
The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) announced yesterday it is preparing to bid out the long term operations and maintenance (O&M) contract for the country’s longest tollroad, the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX).
Last year, BCDA held two failed biddings for the O&M contract. It then negotiated a procurement process for the temporary management of the tollroad with the Lopez led joint venture.
First Philippine Holdings Corp., Egis Road Operation and Tollways Management Corp. served as interim service provider for six months. Their contract was renewable for another six months.
Meanwhile, SCTEX spokesperson Roberto Gervacio said that the term period for the SCTEX O&M is yet to be determined, but it is likely that it will be good for 10 years.
The O&M contract bidding is scheduled before the end of the year.
Gervacio said that the SCTEX now serves as the new economic backbone for Central Luzon and adjoining regions, creating wider opportunities for investment, trade and employment.
Potential operators must have an approved budget for the contract in the amount equal to 12.2 percent of the 10-year projected toll revenues.
The contract involves the provision of the following support services
Like toll collection, traffic management, roadway maintenance, general admission and greening and landscaping.
BCDA financed the construction of the 93.77-kilometer tollroad through a P21-billion loan from the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC).
The road is a four-lane divided tollway consisting of two parts; the 50.5-km., four-lane Subic-Clark section; and the 43.27-km., four-lane Clark-Tarlac portion.
The Subic-Clark segment was opened last April 28, 2008 while the Clark-Tarlac segment was opened last July 25, 2008.
With the opening of the entire SCTEX, motorists from Manila can now travel straight to Subic Bay via a seamless connection from the NLEX and the Subic Freeport Expressway in Tipo. Likewise, motorists can also exit at SCTEX interchanges in Dinalupihan, Bataan; Mabalalcat, Pampanga; and the municipalities of Concepcion, San Miguel and Tarlac City in Tarlac.
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