They have some experience in infrastructure development back home. Not necessarily railway related though.
That's the economics of 80s, in today's world countries are trying to build sustainable projects in a manner that the project not only benefits public but also contributes to the treasury rather than eating into the resources. This can be achieved by advertising inside the stations and buses/ metros and also outsourcing extra space to shops/ eateries either on rent or through lease. It's not necessary to raise the fare.
Even if not earning profits, we should try to make it reach the break even point.
Turning the whole metrobus system on it's own solar power could also be an option that could be looked into, and if feasible will save on power costs, probably the metrobus authority can sell the extra power to national grid.
A few stations at a time will be a good idea. The project may pay off it's costs in a few years.