BCDA awaits study on mass transit system linking CBDs

Japanese firms ALMEC Corp. and Oriental Consultants Company are conducting a study on how to go about setting up a transportation system that will connect Bonifacio Global City, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, the SM Mall of Asia area, and the central business districts of Makati (in photo) and Ortigas. PHOTO FROM AYALALAND.COM.PH

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines—A study that explores the viability of setting up a mass transportation system that will link Metro Manila’s major business hubs is expected to be completed in October, a Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) official said Saturday.

The feasibility study on the Metro Manila Central Business District (MMCBD) Transit System project is being funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica), BCDA president and chief executive Arnel P. Casanova told reporters.

Japanese firms ALMEC Corp. and Oriental Consultants Company are conducting the study on how to go about setting up a transportation system that will connect Bonifacio Global City (BGC), the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia), the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) area, and the central business districts (CBDs) of Makati and Ortigas.

The feasibility study, which was started last November, would detail the possible routes that could “enhance the development of station areas through the provision of intermodal facilities and smooth transfer,” the BCDA said.

The agency originally commissioned a study for a monorail system within BGC. But it has since been expanded to a mass transit system that will connect the business districts in the metropolis.

Casanova said a prefeasibility study showed that a monorail project would not be attractive to the private sector because of the low returns it would generate.

This week, BCDA and Jica will meet with officials of the Department of Transportation and Communications and the Public-Private Partnership Center to discuss the alignment of the transport system, Casanova said.—Ben O. de Vera