MPTC unit bags OPS for P2.5-B Baguio smart mobility project

MANILA  -A Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC) unit has received the coveted original proponent status (OPS) for the P2.5-billion smart urban mobility contract with Baguio City, an initiative seen to reduce traffic in the country’s summer capital by 10 to 15 percent through the imposition of congestion charges and other transport solutions.

Mark De Leon, MPT Mobility vice president for smart mobility solutions, told reporters on Monday they were negotiating the terms of the concession deal with the local government after receiving the OPS last August. After ironing out talks, De Leon hopes to proceed with the Swiss challenge next year.

A Swiss challenge is conducted to invite other proposals that can rival the OPS’ offer. The OPS holder is then allowed to match the counter offers; if no better offer is filed, the OPS will emerge the winner.

READ: Big-ticket road, transport systems eyed in Baguio

Should they secure the contract by next year, De Leon said the urban mobility solution could be implemented by 2026.

This includes placing digital infrastructure for collection of congestion fees, which motorists entering the city during peak road hours will have to pay. The proposed fee is still under negotiation.

The goal is to reduce the number of vehicles on the road, but De Leon said the majority was still willing to pay the congestion fee.

Some 10 to 15 percent, meanwhile, said they would just shift to “alternative mode of transportation” instead of paying the charge.

READ: Baguio eyes ‘congestion fee’ for visitors

The Baguio local government has been floating the idea of congestion fee collection to alleviate the heavy traffic in the popular destination.

The city council previously talked about a P50 fee but it has yet to be finalized. According to data, the current road capacity of Baguio could no longer accommodate the traffic volume.

The province has a population of 366,358 based on 2020 census. INQ