MANILA -Several consulting firms signified interest to conduct a feasibility study and other project preparation works for the Edsa Busway System and the Manila Bay-Pasig River-Laguna Lake Ferry (Mapallaf), according to the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center of the Philippines.
In a statement over the weekend, the PPP Center said four international and local consulting firms submitted technical and financial proposals for each project last Friday.
This was in line with the technical assistance agreement inked by the PPP Center and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) on April 5. The deal includes the provision of project preparation and transaction advisory services for both projects.
The project preparation activities will be conducted with funding via the PPP Center’s Project Development and Monitoring Facility.
Consulting services for the infrastructure projects include preparation of pre-feasibility and feasibility study and assistance to the DOTr.
The Edsa Busway is a dedicated median lane for city buses traveling from Monumento to Pasay. The DOTr had expressed interest to tap a private sector operator to maintain and improve the public transportation system servicing Metro Manila’s busiest thoroughfare.
Meanwhile, the Mapallaf project includes the development of a ferry system traversing major cities in Metro Manila and an adjacent province.
DOTC eyes ferry transport system from Metro Manila to nearby provinces
“The Mapallaf Project is set to revolutionize the transportation landscape by establishing a high-capacity, high-frequency, and low carbon ferry system that will connect Manila Bay and Laguna Lake through the Pasig River,” the PPP Center said. INQ