New transport terminal north of NCR under study

The potential site for a multi-modal transportation project catering to passengers in the northern part of National Capital Region (NCR) is currently being studied, Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center of the Philippines said, citing the need to address infrastructure gaps in mass transportation.

The PPP Center, in an interview with the Inquirer, said that a pre-feasibility study for the North Integrated Transport System (NITS) project is being conducted.

The study, which also covers financial viability, is aimed to be completed by the first quarter of next year.

“The pre-feasibility study and analysis are currently being conducted on, among others, the optimal site for NITS, the demand for the terminal, the traffic effects, conceptual design of the terminal, and legal, social and environmental repercussions,” the agency said.

Following this study, another review will be conducted by the Department of Transportation to iron out the terms of reference for the project’s contract package, which will be bid out to interested parties.

The private partner that will undertake the project will be in-charge of the design, construction and financing of the terminal, in addition to the operation and maintenance.

The transport project seeks to improve commuter experience with the construction of an integrated, multi-modal transport and logistics systems designed to be a multi-level and mixed-use terminal facility in the northern National Capital Region.

It also seeks to reduce traffic congestion along the busy thoroughfare of EDSA by relocating bus terminals in Quezon City to the planned terminal.

“As an integrated terminal facility, the project is expected to host northbound provincial buses (from Metro Manila and vice versa), serve passengers bound for/departing from areas in northern NCR, and connect passengers to other urban transport systems (e.g., railways, buses, taxis) which are serving inner Metro Manila,” the agency explained.

The PPP Center has been extending assistance via its project development and monitoring facility, which is a revolving fund supporting infrastructure projects in the country.

PPP Center deputy executive director Eleazar Ricote recently said they have 109 projects in the pipeline worth P2.4 trillion. These include water supply facilities, hospital and health centers, airport and toll road projects.

“Transport infrastructure is a crucial aspect in alleviating the economic and social cost brought about by traffic congestion in NCR,” the agency said.