BCDA prepares study for proposed mass transport system

MANILA, Philippines - The Bases Conversion and Development Administration is readying the feasibility study for its proposed mass transport system linking the country’s central business districts, an official yesterday said.

“We started the feasibility study last Nov. 7, 2013 and this will be completed by October 2014,” BCDA president and chief executive officer Arnel Paciano Casanova said at the annual Economic Journalists Association of the Philippines-San Miguel Corp. seminar.

Casanova said the study is being conducted by Japan-based ALMEC Corp. and Oriental Consultants Co.

“The detailed feasibility study for the project was funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) with both the BCDA and the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) acting as counterpart agencies,” he said.

“The Project will provide mass transit connections among central business districts in Metro Manila, along routes that will enhance the development of station areas through the provision of intermodal facilities and smooth transfer,” Casanova said.

Earlier, the BCDA was planning to construct a monorail to link the said cities but Casanova said the agency is now eyeing to pattern the system to a bus rapid transit or a light rail transit.

The mass transport system is expected to link Makati, Ortigas, Bonifacio Global City, and Newport City.

Casanova said that this may be extended to reach the Mall of Asia in Pasay City and the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.