Megawide Construction Corp. is targeting to begin partial operations of its P1.87-billion Cavite Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project by May.
“The development is ongoing, but what we wish to do is begin partial operations by May,” Megawide Chief Business Development Officer Jaime Raphael C. Feliciano told reporters.
The listed construction and engineering firm secured the contract to construct and develop the Cavite BRT project last 12 months.
Mr. Feliciano said the complete BRT system is predicted to be accomplished by yearend, adding that the project’s P2P service from Imus, Cavite to One Ayala is about to begin operations by May.
For the expected launch next month, Megawide is projecting ridership of nearly 5,000 passengers, he said, adding that about 10 buses will probably be deployed for initial operations.
The corporate had earlier planned to begin partial operations last 12 months but cited minor delays, particularly within the issuance of franchises.
“There’s a bit bit of debate with the LTFRB (Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board) with the franchise, since it will not be typical bus operations so there’s a variety of forwards and backwards happening,” Mr. Feliciano said.
The Cavite BRT is a three way partnership between Megawide and property developer Maplecrest Group, Inc.
The project involves the event, operation, and maintenance of a BRT system serving Imus, General Trias, Tanza, Kawit, and Trece Martires, in addition to nearby areas in Cavite. It should link to Metro Manila through the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX).
The project will probably be implemented in two phases and may have a complete of 47 stations and three terminals.
In 2015, Megawide unit MWM Terminals, Inc. secured a 35-year contract to construct and operate PITX, an integrated multimodal terminal. The corporate can also be developing the Baguio City Integrated Terminal project. — Ashley Erika O. Jose