The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Wednesday, February 21, expressed confidence that talks with the Japan International Cooperation Agency will expedite the completion of the Metro Manila Subway Project and North-South Commuter Railway System (NSCR).

“Let us move beyond table-top discussions. Let us cascade the inertia of transformation to the frontlines of these projects,” Transport Secretary Jaime Bautista said.

Bautista also noted that the country’s 30-year railway master plan will serve as a springboard for further talks regarding the sustainable operation of the Metro Manila Subway, NSCR, Metro Rail Transit Line 3, and other upcoming rail systems.

“The challenge is to extract from today’s discussions how best to bridge the gap between our vision of an ideal rail industry and current status of our rail system operations,” he said.

The transport chief said the current administration must partner with the private sector to maintain its sustainable operations and revive the country’s railway industry.

“We must focus on sustainable operations, which requires the collaboration of government and private operators,” he said.

Bautista earlier said that the NSCR and another major railway project South Long Haul will boost the country’s railway sector to global standards.