C-5 South Link under way

Infrastructure giant Metro Pacific Investments Corp. said the first phase of its C-5 South Link Expressway project is on track and will be finished by March 2019, a statement showed.

The first phase is a 2.2-km section that will connect C-5 to Merville.

The entire project is a six-lane 7.7-km expressway that will run to the Manila Cavite Expressway (Cavitex) via Merville and Sucat. It is slated for completion in 2021.

Metro Pacific unit Cavitex Infrastructure Corp. (CIC), the concessionaire of Cavitex, said the project will cost around P10 billion. It is expected to benefit 50,000 vehicles by decongesting Sales Road in Pasay and Edsa when it starts commercial operations.

Moreover, travel time from Parañaque, Las Piñas and Cavite to Taguig will be cut to 20 to 30 minutes from the usual one and a half hour drive with the direct access to C5.

“C-5 South Link is progressing as scheduled. When completed, the road will provide motorists from Parañaque, Las Piñas and Cavite direct access to C-5.  We also want to inform the public that by the end of September, we will be launching girders that will cross the at-grade portion of Skyway and South Luzon Expressway. This is a critical activity of the project and we expect substantial completion after the girders are installed,” Luigi Bautista, president and CEO of CIC, said in a statement.

Bautista noted that the construction of the expressway could cause added road congestion in the area.

“We would like to seek the understanding and patience of all motorists using the Skyway and SLEx between Nichols Toll Plaza and Bicutan. We as well advise them to plan their trips and look for alternative routes. Partial closure of Skyway and SLEx during off-peak hours is necessary when we position and install the girders,” he said.

Bautista explained that a so-called stop and go traffic system with 15 minute intervals will be introduced between 4 a.m. and 10 p.m. from Sept. 29 through Nov. 22.

“On-ground traffic support will be deployed to ensure motorists are assisted and guided.  The completion of the launching should allow us to complete and open the Merville section of C-5 South Link by the end of March of 2019,” he added.

https://business.inquirer.net/257651/c-5-south-link-way

C5 South Link of P10-B CAVITEX on track

By Emmie V. Abadilla

The construction of the first section of the P10 Billion Manila-Cavite Toll Expressway (CAVITEX), the 7.7 kilometer, six-lane C-5 South Link Expressway Project (C5 South Link), is on schedule, its concessionaire announced.

C5 South Link will seamlessly connect Circumferential Road 5 (C5) to CAVITEX via Merville and Sucat.

The first 2.2 km section, which connects C5 to Merville, is expected to be completed by the 1st quarter of 2019. Overall, the CAVITEX Project is expected to benefit 50,000 vehicles by decongesting Sales Road in Pasay and EDSA when it starts commercial operations.

Travel time from Parañaque, Las Piñas and Cavite to Taguig will be cut to 20 to 30 minutes from the usual 1 and a half hour drive with the direct access to C5. “C5 South Link is progressing as scheduled,” confirmed Luigi Bautista, President and CEO of the Cavitex Infrastructure Corporation (CIC), the concessionaire of CAVITEX.

“When completed, the road will provide motorists from Parañaque, Las Piñas and Cavite direct access to C5.” “We also want to inform the public that by the end of September, we will be launching girders that will cross the at-grade portion of Skyway and South Luzon Expressway,” he added.

“This is a critical activity of the Project and we expect substantial completion after the girders are installed.” This means that motorists using the Skyway and SLEX between Nichols Toll Plaza and Bicutan need to plan their trips and look for alternative routes.

https://business.mb.com.ph/2018/09/21/c5-south-link-of-p10-b-cavitex-on-track/

Partial closure of Skyway, SLEx scheduled due to C5 South Link construction

A stop-and-go traffic scheme will be implemented on the Skyway and South Luzon Expressway (SLEx) starting Sept. 29 until Nov. 22 for the construction of Circumferential Road 5 (C5) South Link Expressway, government concessionaire Metro Pacific group said.

In a statement released on Thursday, CAVITEX Infrastructure Corp. (CIC) of the Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC) said the partial closure of the roads is necessary to complete the toll road project on schedule.

The stop-and-go traffic scheme will run daily from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. with 15-minute intervals. CIC President Luigi L. Bautista said traffic aides will assist motorists during the period.

“We would like to seek the understanding and patience of all motorists using the Skyway and SLEx between Nichols Toll Plaza and Bicutan. We as well advise them to plan their trips and look for alternative routes. Partial closure of Skyway and SLEX during off-peak hours is necessary when we position and install the girders,” Mr. Bautista said in the statement.

CIC is set to open the first 2.2 kilometers — near Merville, Parañaque — of the 7.7-kilometer C5 South Link Expressway by the end of March next year. The P10-billion toll road project will connect C5 to the Manila-Cavite Toll Expressway (CAVITEx).

Mr. Bautista said setting up the girders is a “critical activity” in the construction of the six-lane highway.

Once the C5 South Link is done, the project is expected to reduce travel time from Parañaque, Las Piñas, and Cavite to Taguig from the usual 90 minutes to 20-30 minutes. It is “expected to benefit some 50,000 cars by decongesting Sales Road in Pasay and EDSA when it starts commercial operations,” CIC said in the statement.

“C5 South Link is progressing as scheduled. When completed, the road will provide motorists from Parañaque, Las Piñas, and Cavite direct access to C5,” Mr. Bautista added.

CIC is a subsidiary of MPTC, the tollways unit of Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC).

MPIC is one of three Philippine units of Hong Kong-based First Pacific Co. Ltd., others being PLDT, Inc. and Philex Mining Corp. Hastings Holdings, Inc., a unit of PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund subsidiary MediaQuest Holdings, Inc., has an interest in BusinessWorld through the Philippine Star Group, which it controls. — Denise A. Valdez

https://www.bworldonline.com/partial-closure-of-skyway-slex-scheduled-due-to-c5-south-link-construction/

MPTC to deliver first C5 South Link section by first quarter of 2019

Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC), the road infrastructure arm of conglomerate Metro Pacific Investments Corp., is ready to deliver the first section of the P10-billion C5 South Link Expressway Project of the Manila-Cavite Toll Expressway (CAVITEX) by the first quarter of next year.

MPTC said construction of the first 2.2 kilometer (km) section, which connects C5 to Merville, is proceeding as scheduled and is eyed for completion within the first quarter of 2019.

In its entirety, the 7.7-kilometer, six-lane C5 South Link will seamlessly connect Circumferential Road 5 or C5 to CAVITEX via Merville and Sucat.

The project is expected to benefit 50,000 vehicles by decongesting Sales Road in Pasay and EDSA when it starts commercial operations.

Travel time from Parañaque, Las Piñas and Cavite to Taguig will be cut to 20 to 30 minutes from the usual one and a half hour drive with the direct access to C5.

“C5 South Link is progressing as scheduled. When completed, the road will provide motorists from Parañaque, Las Piñas and Cavite direct access to C5,” said Luigi Bautista, president and CEO of the Cavitex Infrastructure Corp., the concessionaire of CAVITEX.

“We also want to inform the public that by the end of September, we will be launching girders that will cross the at-grade portion of Skyway and South Luzon Expressway. This is a critical activity of the project and we expect substantial completion after the girders are installed,” he said.

Bautista said the company is seeking the understanding and patience of all motorists using the Skyway and SLEX between Nichols Toll Plaza and Bicutan and is advising them to plan their trips and look for alternative routes, as partial closure of Skyway and SLEX during off-peak hours is necessary when it positions and installs the girders.

“For the safety of the motorists and of our construction personnel, a stop-and-go traffic with 15 minute intervals will be implemented, between 10:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. from Sept. 29 to Nov. 22. On-ground traffic support will be deployed to ensure motorists are assisted and guided,” he said.

 “We are working closely with MMDA, DOTR, DPWH and the Taguig, Pasay and Parañaque LGUs on the proposed traffic management plan. The completion of the launching should allow us to complete and open the Merville section of C5 South Link by the end of March of 2019,” Bautista said.

Aside from the CAVITEX, MPTC operates the North Luzon Expressway, the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway, and is currently constructing the Cavite-Laguna Expressway, the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway and soon, the Connector Road.

https://www.philstar.com/business/2018/09/22/1853479/mptc-deliver-first-c5-south-link-section-first-quarter-2019

Don't blame Duterte admin for penalties due to project delays —DOTr

By TED CORDERO, GMA News

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Thursday said that the low spending of Official Development Assistance (ODA) and the delays on the implementation of foreign loan-funded projects flagged by the Commission on Audit (COA) were not incurred during the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte.

"We appreciate the vigilance of the COA, and it can be assured that the DOTr is not remiss on its duty to improve the state of transportation in the country," the agency said.

This came after COA said that the Duterte administration used only P299.75 million out of the P74.55 billion ODA loans received last year. The low utilization of ODA loans forced the government to pay "commitment fees," or penalties, worth more than P230.17 million for "delayed withdrawal/availment of loans."

The state auditor said ODA-funded projects of the DOTr were delayed, including:

• Light Rail Transit Line 1 Cavite Extension
• LRT Line 2 Masinag Extension
• Puerto Prinsesa Airport Development Project
• New Bohol Airport Construction and Sustainable Environment Protection Project
• New Communications, Navigation, Surveillance/Air Traffic Management Systems Development Project
• Maritime Safety Capability Improvement Project Phases 1 and 2
• Cebu Bus Rapid Transit System
• Philippine Coast Guard Capability Development Project

"The DOTr is not slacking on the implementation of its projects, ODA-funded or otherwise. We have not been causing the delays. In fact, this administration is bearing the burden of catching up on delayed projects," it said.

"In fact, the DOTr has ordered a 24-hour construction schedule, and has successfully fast-tracked several projects that have been delayed for years."

In its statement, the DOTr gave updates on its projects mentioned in the COA report.

On the Puerto Princesa Airport Development Project, the Transportation department said it was already inaugurated May 4, 2017.

"Had there been delays, these did not happen during our time."

The Puerto Princesa Airport project was approved in 2011.

The New Bohol Airport in Panglao is now 94 percent complete and is scheduled to be inaugurated in November, the DOTr said.

"When we took over in July 2016, there was a slippage of around 50 percent and the completion rate was only at 6.48 percent."

The New Communications, Navigation, Surveillance/Air Traffic Management Systems Development Project has already been delayed for years before the Duterte administration came in, the DOTr said.

"The CNS/ATM was inaugurated in January 2018 and is now operational."

For the Light Rail Transit Line 1 Cavite Extension project, the agency said it has a long history of delays and was only during the administration that significant progress was made.

"The groundbreaking was held in May 2017, and since then, pre-construction activities have already taken place."

"Currently, the construction yard behind SM Sucat is already undergoing construction, while construction of the columns or piers will begin in January 2019. The Partially Operable sections (Baclaran – Dr. Santos) will be operational by the Q3 2021. Again, had there been delays, these did not happen during our time."

For the LRT Line 2 Masinag Extension, the DOTr said that the project was delayed due failed biddings on the construction of the station when the Duterte administration came in.

"Note that the project was divided into three contracts. We had to employ an efficient catch-up plan to keep it on track. Now, construction is ongoing. Stations are 56.8 percent complete, while the viaduct is 100 percent complete."

The Cebu Bus Rapid Transit System will proceed after the National Economic and Development Authority-Investment Coordination Committee has given its approval on the project as part of an integrated intermodal transport system for Metro Cebu.

For the Maritime Safety Capability Improvement Project Phases 1 and 2, the DOTr said the phase 1 involves the acquisition of ten 40-meter Multi-Role Response Vessels (MRRV) to enhance the capacity of the Philippine Coast Guard in coastal areas.

"As of 20 August 2018, all 10 MRRVs have been delivered and turned over by the Japanese government."

For the phase 2, which involves the acquisition of two 94-meter MRRVs to enhance the PCG’s response capability in offshore and coastal areas, the DOTr said it is now awaiting for the final contract for the consultancy. The timeline for the project is 2018 – 2024.

The Philippine Coast Guard Capability Development Project, which involves the acquisition of four 24-meter Fast Patrol Boats and one 82 meter Offshore Patrol Vessel from France, the DOTr said first 24-meter FPB was delivered in August, while the second was delivered in September.

"The delivery for the remaining FPBs will be completed in November. Meanwhile, the 82-meter vessel will be delivered in August 2019. There is no significant delay for this project." —JST, GMA News

LRT-1 ridership reaches 14-M in August

Over 14 million people rode the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1) last August, its highest ridership in a single month to date, according to its operator Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC).

Passenger volume was recorded at 14.6 million passengers which has higher by 8 percent to 13.45 million passengers for the same month last year due to improvements which resulted to increased number of trains and reduced waiting time of passengers.

To date, the train rehabilitation program of the LRMC has resulted to the increase in the number of car trains by 112 from 77 in 2015 and 530 daily trips in 2017 from 478 trips per day in 2016.

“The ridership growth is a manifestation of stronger customer preference for LRT-1 over other modes of transportation. It is a significant achievement for our employees who have focused on increasing the number of trains and trips, reducing queueing time and travel time, as well as improving the safety, security and cleanliness of the stations,” according to LRMC President and Chief Executive Officer Juan Alfonso.

The company is asking for a fare increase of PHP 5 to recover the investments it has made to improve the railway operations and to finance the construction of the extension of the LRT-1 from Baclaran to Bacoor, Cavite.

The fare increase will encourage banks to provide lending for the LRT-1 Cavite Extension Project according to the LRMC.

“A PHP 5 increase in LRT-1 fare will assure the construction of its extension to Sucat, Las Piñas and Bacoor, allowing at least 300,000 of residents each day to get to and from home in just minutes from Baclaran without traffic,” Alfonso said in an earlier statement.

According to the LRMC, its concession agreement with the government stipulates a 5 percent increase on LRT fares every two years and the extension of the railway line from Baclaran to Bacoor.

Current fares on the LRT-1 is PHP 15, PHP 20 and PHP 30 depending on distance travelled. No fare hike has been implemented since September 2015.

The fare hike petition is currently pending before the Department of Transportation.

The LRMC is eyeing to start the construction of the first phase of the LRT-1 Extension project which covers the Redemptorist, Manila International Airport (MIA), Asiaworld, Ninoy Aquino, and Dr. A. Santos stations on October.

The LRT-1 extension is projected to reduce travel time from Baclaran to Bacoor by 30 minutes from the current one and a half hours during rush hours.

It will consist of eight new stations namely Redemptorist, NAIA Avenue, Asia World, Ninoy Aquino, Dr. Santos, Las Pinas, Zapote, and Niog, which are expected to serve around 700,000 to 800,000 passengers once it is completed by 2021.

LRMC is a consortium put up by Metro Pacific Investments Corp., Ayala Corp., and Macquarie Infrastructure Holdings and took over the operations and management of LRT-1 in September 2015.

https://www.ptvnews.ph/lrt-1-ridership-reaches-14-m-in-august/

DOTr refutes 2017 COA report: No projects delayed under Tugade’s watch

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Thursday refuted a 2017 Commission on Audit (COA) report stating that its projects are delayed and that it is underspending on infrastructure projects. It insisted that there were no delays under Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade’s administration.

“We would like to state categorically that the delays in implementation, which cost the government P299.75 million in commitment fees, were not accumulated during our administration. In fact, the DOTr has ordered a 24-hour construction schedule, and has successfully fast-tracked several projects that have been delayed for years,” the DOTr said in a statement.

The department said the construction of the new Bohol Airport and  Sustainable Environment Protection Project, the Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line 1 Cavite Extension, and LRT Line 2 Masinag Extension are ongoing.

Moreover, the Puerto Princesa Airport Development Project was only inaugurated in 2017 and the delay did not happen under Tugade’s watch.

Meanwhile, the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit System was already approved by the National Economic and Development Authority – Investment Coordination Committee during Tugade’s administration while the New Communications, Navigation, Surveillance/Air Traffic Management Systems Development Project were being prioritized by Tugade.

The Maritime Safety Capability Improvement Project Phases 1 and 2 have obtained 12 multi-role response vehicles while the Philippine Coast Guard Capability Development Project received five patrol boats from France.

The DOTr lamented that they are burdened by the delayed projects of the past administration.

“The DOTr is not slacking on the implementation of its projects, ODA-funded or otherwise. We have not been causing the delays. In fact, this administration is bearing the burden of catching up on delayed projects,” DOTr said. /ee

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1034643/dotr-refutes-2017-coa-report-no-projects-delayed-under-tugades-watch

Quezon Ave., Cebu BRT get DoTr nod

The Department of Transportation on Wednesday said it would be proceeding with the implementation of two out of three Bus Rapid Transit systems—the Cebu BRT system and the Quezon Avenue BRT system.

DoTr Assistant Secretary for Road Transport and Infrastructure Mark de Leon bared this following a recent inspection of both BRT systems’ routes with representatives from the DoTr, the National Economic and Development Authority, and the World Bank— which funds the project.

“The Bus Rapid Transit project of DoTr for Cebu and Quezon Avenue will push through,” De Leon told a press briefing in Malacañang.

“We conducted an inspection with World Bank team and also joined by NEDA, and evaluated conditions of the corridor of Cebu and also Quezon Avenue and we found it is possible to run the BRT in these corridors,” he added.

However, De Leon said the EDSA BRT system was “still undergoing evaluation “after its supposed funder backed out of the project.

“We’re undergoing evaluation of the BRT in EDSA,” De Leon said.

“The other two will push through because they have a different funder, it’s under World Bank,” he added.

De Leon said the DoTr had signed the contract for the technical service consultants for the Cebu BRT and had written the Department of Finance about its intention to proceed with the Quezon Avenue BRT.

“We just signed the contract for the TSC in Cebu so we’re already pushing for the BRT to push through. For Manila, we have signed a letter to DoF that we will push through with the program,” De Leon said.

Meanwhile, the agency is now working on the detailed engineering design of both BRT systems.

Last July, DoTr Secretary Arthur Tugade bared that only the implementation of the Cebu BRT would push through, considering Metro Cebu’s road profile and the need for efficient mass transport systems in interconnected cities.
The Cebu BRT is a 23-kilometer system, which will run through Bulacao, Ayala, and Talamban.

Two Metro Manila BTRs—Quezon Avenue and EDSA—were earlier scrapped since the DoTr considered it unfeasible on narrow and congested roads in urban areas.

The Quezon Avenue BRT will run 12.3 km from the Quezon Memorial Circle to Manila City Hall via Elliptical Road, Quezon Avenue and España Boulevard.

Meanwhile, the EDSA BRT will run 48.6 km and will have four main corridors—a main line along Edsa and corridors along Ayala Avenue to World Trade Center, Ortigas to Bonifacio Global City, and the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

The BRT systems are part of the DoTr’s integrated transportation system, one of the solutions to ease traffic. It dedicates lanes for specialized buses and stations.

It is estimated to cost P53 billion.

http://www.manilastandard.net/news/national/275947/quezon-ave-cebu-brt-get-dotr-nod.html

Japan to assist MMDA craft 5-year traffic management action plan

To ease road congestion in the National Capital Region, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) will assist the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) in crafting a five-year traffic management action plan.

In a statement Wednesday, Japan’s aid agency said it signed this week with the MMDA the records of discussion for the comprehensive traffic management plan for Metro Manila project.

This technical cooperation project, which will start next year and end in 2022, was aimed at mitigating road traffic congestion along Metro Manila’s major corridors, Jica said.

Specifically, Jica will dispatch Japanese experts to assist the MMDA on intelligent transport systems, road traffic management, as well as traffic policy.

Also, the road sectors of all 17 local government units in Metro Manila will be included in the Jica-MMDA partnership.

“Aside from investments in infrastructure building, Jica is also supporting the Philippines ease traffic congestion to help make urban areas like Metro Manila and surrounding areas more livable, and encourage investments into the Philippines. Transportation, among other things, is an element that can help the Philippines sustain its growth and economic gains,” Jica Philippines’ chief representative Yoshio Wada said.

Early this year, Jica said traffic in Metro Manila now costs P3.5 billion a day, up from P2.4 billion in 2014.

The higher economic cost of transportation in the metropolis was based on 2017 estimates under Jica’s follow-up survey on the Roadmap for Transport Infrastructure Development for Greater Capital Region.

The updated transport roadmap is currently being reviewed by the state planning agency National Economic and Development Authority.

Jica defined the economic cost of transportation as the combination of vehicle operating costs as well as the time cost spent by drivers and passengers along Metro Manila’s road network.

With Metro Manila expected to be more congested, the transport cost could jump to P5.4 billion per day by 2035 without any intervention, Jica estimates showed.

But if the government rolls out the big-ticket infrastructure projects under the ambitious “Build, Build, Build” program, the traffic cost would decline to P3 billion a day, Jica had said.

“Aside from traffic management, Jica is also supporting the Philippines’ development agenda under the ‘Build, Build, Build’ program. This includes the 38-kilometer North-South Commuter Railway for Malolos-Tutuban and the 25-kilometer Metro Manila Subway connecting Mindanao Avenue to FTI in the south and further to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, among others to further address traffic gridlock and attract more investments,” the aid agency said.

Under “Build, Build, Build,” the government plans to rollout 75 “game-changing” projects, with about half targeted to be finished within President Rodrigo Duterte’s term, alongside spending a total of over P8 trillion on hard and modern infrastructure until 2022 to usher in “the golden age of infrastructure” after years of neglect. /kga



Read more: https://business.inquirer.net/257534/japan-to-assist-mmda-craft-5-year-traffic-management-action-plan#ixzz5RlKkGyiH
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Parañaque Integrated Terminal set to open next month

The Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) is set to be operational by October this year.

This, as the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has issued a directive that all provincial buses and other kinds of public transportation coming from provinces southwest of Metro Manila must end their trips at the PITX.

“All provincial public utility buses, UV Express service and public utility jitneys originating from provinces southwest of Metro Manila entering via Coastal Road and Manila Cavite Expressway shall end their routes at the Paranaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) in Coastal Road Parañaque from the date PITX is fully operational,” the LTFRB said in Memorandum Circular 2018-20 on September 13.

The board has also ordered that all city buses, UV express service and jeepneys, whose endpoints are Baclaran and the Mall of Asia, shall be extended to facilitate the transfer of passengers.

For his part, Department of Transportation Assistant Secretary for Road Transport and Infrastructure Mark de Leon said the transfer of the provincial buses and other public utility vehicles to the PITX will start next month.

“October is the start of transition period. We are talking about readiness of all modes of transport to terminate in the facility and also the readiness of the facility to accept these operators. There will be a duration for commissioning and testing,” de Leon said in a text message to the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Tuesday.

The PITX, which will be the first intermodal transport in the country, is projected to accommodate up to 200,000 train, jeepney and bus passengers per day.

The terminal will connect passengers coming from the Cavite side to other transport systems such as the future LRT Line 1 South Extension, city bus, taxi, and other public utility vehicles that are serving inner Metro Manila.

It will feature passenger terminal buildings, loading and unloading bays, staging bays, ticketing and baggage handling facilities, as well as park-ride facilities. Commuters can also make use of the free Wi-Fi, charging outlets and an online ticketing system. (Aerol John Pateña/PNA)

https://www.ptvnews.ph/paranaque-integrated-terminal-set-to-open-next-month/

DOTr sets bidding for Manila-Bulacan railway link

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is moving forward with the selection of a Japanese contractor that will build a 38-kilometer railway line from Manila to Malolos, Bulacan, according to a senior government official.

Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said in a recent Senate hearing the department was expecting to hold the bidding exercise for the civil works component of the railway project, to be funded by a loan from the Japanese government, before the end of 2018.

“It is targeted to be completed in two and a half to three years,” Tugade said.

The project, also known as the Philippine National Railways North 1 under the Duterte administration’s “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure initiative, is the first phase of a 106-km railway system that will connect Manila and Clark, Pampanga. The entire project will cost above P300 billion, funded mainly by loans from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica).

The project is expected to cut travel time from Malolos to Tutuban in Manila to around 35 minutes from the current two hours. The Philippines and Jica signed the 242-billion yen (P117 billion) loan for the Manila to Bulacan stretch in 2015.

Tugade said the whole railway system from Manila to Clark, where the government is also expanding Clark International Airport, would be completed before President Duterte’s term ends in 2022.

The second phase of the project will involve a 69.5-km train system extending PNR North 1 in Bulacan to Clark Airport and New Clark City. Once finished, travel time from Manila to Clark would be cut down to less than one hour.

The DOTr is also planning a cargo railway system that will link Subic Port to Clark, according to Tugade.

The DOTr has made the railway sector a priority area as it committed to implement a P1-trillion pipeline of projects, most of which will be financed by overseas development assistance loans. The goal is to extend the Philippines’ railway footprint to over 2,000 km from the current 77 km.

One of the administration’s legacy projects include the P350-billion Metro Manila subway, which will run from Quezon City to Taguig, with a further connection to Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

Chinese funding is also being sought for the 653-km railway line that will run from Manila to Batangas, Laguna and Matnog, Sorsogon.

Its single largest project is the 1,532-km Mindanao Railway System, which will connect Davao, Iligan, Cagayan de Oro, General Santos and Zamboanga. The project is also expected to be financed by the Chinese government. The first phase of the Mindanao railway will be a 102-km line linking Tagum, Davao and Digos.

https://business.inquirer.net/257356/dotr-sets-bidding-manila-bulacan-railway-link

Infrastructure to positively impact residential demand in Manila

WILLIAMS MEDIA speaks with Joey Roi Bondoc, Research Manager at Colliers International Philippines about residential demand in and outside Manila.

Colliers International Philippines maintains the belief that the development of infrastructure projects in and outside of Manila will positively impact on residential demand throughout the nation's capital.

WILLIAMS MEDIA speaks with Joey Roi Bondoc, Research Manager at Colliers International Philippines to learn more about demand in Manila's residential property market.

Residential demand in Manila

Infrastructure development projects such as the MRT 7, Manila Subway and Skytrain monorail, once completed will raise residential property values says Bondoc. "We see demand for residential units near or around the stations of these projects growing and this should raise capital values," he says.

"The completion of the MRT 3 rehabilitation will definitely raise the attractiveness of condominium projects near the train line’s stations."

Bondoc adds, "Undeniably, the government’s planned infrastructure projects within Metro Manila will dictate the strategies of both residential developers and investors over the near to medium term."

Residential demand outside Manila

The growing trend of condominium living and the lack of available lots across Metro Manila has led to the development of subdivisions towards the outskirts of town, says Bondoc. Known areas include Cavite, Laguna, Batangas Bulacan, and Pampanga.

Bondoc explains that "Massive infrastructure spending under the current administration should benefit the property sector in general," adding, "The annual infrastructure allocation of 5-7% of GDP should support the completion of Northrail and Clark airport expansion projects in Northern Luzon and the delivery of Cavite-Laguna Expressway, LRT 6, Sangley airport, and Cavite-C5 Southlink projects in the South."

According to Colliers, the Bulacan Airport is another massive proposed project to be implemented under the government's public-private partnership (PPP) scheme. "This should make Bulacan a feasible location for mixed-use projects and raise the province’s stature as an alternative office and residential destination outside of the country’s capital," says Bondoc.

The proposed Sangley Airport should further raise Cavite’s viability as a major business district outside of Metro Manila. "Cavite used to provide residential support to commercial activities in Metro Manila. But the improvement of road network from Cavite to Manila enticed developers to invest heavily in the province.

"We see more robust business activities in Cavite once the Sangley Airport is completed. With a modern airport, we expect Cavite to come into its own as an urban centre and rise from its previous image as a mere suburban support area to Metro Manila. This should result in a more pronounced development of residential projects in the province."

National developers have been very active in building integrated communities within Metro Clark, says Bondoc. "This is partly due to the anticipated construction of passenger and cargo railways, expressways, as well as the expansion of the existing Clark Airport. Colliers believes that these projects should unlock values for parcels of land that could be developed into mixed-use communities including condominium projects and house and lots (H&L). The development of these townships is also necessary in capturing a large fraction of the available labour pool that BPO and industrial locators could tap."

Colliers expects developers to continue pursuing satellite communities outside of Metro Manila given the proposed airport development and modernization projects. These integrated communities offer a better value proposition than standalone projects since they offer mixed-use developments. "We believe that this feature makes integrated townships a more attractive option for investors. More BPO tenants will also gravitate toward integrated communities as they offer a better living and working environment. This trend should make residential projects outside Metro Manila more attractive."

The improvement of road networks and expansion of airports in Pampanga, Bulacan, and Cavite should further unlock land values in these areas, making them more feasible for residential projects.

Bondoc concludes, "The demand for residential units in these locations will continuously grow as we believe that a significant part of the remittances sent in by OFWs annually will be set aside for Filipinos’ housing requirements."

For more information about Manila's residential market, phone or email Joey Roi Bondoc, Research Manager at Colliers International Philippines via the contact detials listed below.

https://www.retalkasia.com/news/2018/09/14/infrastructure-positively-impact-residential-demand-manila/1536879332

Solons question changes in route of P350-B Metro Manila subway project

Lawmakers have questioned the changes in the route of the P350-billion Metro Manila subway project, which first phase of construction is set to begin this December.

At a hearing of the House of Representatives’ Metro Manila Development Committee on Wednesday, Transportation Undersecretary Timothy John Batan said the original alignment of the country’s first subway would be from Mindanao Avenue, going to North Avenue and traversing Edsa all the way to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia).

But he also said the interagency handling the project changed a segment of the route after conducting a feasibility study in August 2017.

Originally, a segment of the subway route would go from North Avenue, Quezon Avenue, to Ortigas, just like the route of the Metro Rail Transit 3 (MRT-3).

The new segment however would now be from North Avenue, Quezon Avenue, going to East Avenue, Anonas, and Katipunan, before going to Ortigas.

Caloocan 2nd District Rep. Edgar Erice and Quezon City 1st District Rep. Vincent Crisologo raised questions on the modified alignment.

“Ang unang-unang dapat lagyan ng subway ay Edsa at ‘yan ay nasa plano, nag-iba,” Erice noted.

“Hindi ‘yan ‘yung daanan ng mga commuters, ng mga ordinaryong mamayan. Parang puro commercial developments ‘yung dinadaanan ng subway baka mas makinabang dito ‘yung mga commercial developer imbes na mamamayan,” he added.

Crisologo, for his part, asked Batan to justify the changes and requested a copy of the minutes of the interagency meeting where the changes were made.

The interagency panel is composed of the Department of Transportation, Department of Public Works and Highways, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, National Economic and Development Authority, Department of Finance, and Bases Conversion and Development Authority.

Justification

Batan said the alteration was done since they considered the capacity rehabilitation of the MRT-3.

“Instead of concentrating two mass transport line under and above Edsa, ‘yung segment po na ‘yun was diverted to the East in order to spread capacity,” he explained during the hearing.

With the capacity expansion of 900,000 to 1 million planned for MRT-3, Batan said this would be enough to service commuters along Edsa.

“Gusto natin ma-avoid na ma-oversupply ang Edsa na kung saan paano naman ‘yung ibang mga corridors natin na meron namang mananakay,” he added in a separate interview.

“Number one consideration hindi lang ng gobyerno pati ng lenders natin, ng Jica, is ‘yung transport demand, hindi tayo maglalatag ng riles ng walang transport demand,” Batan also said.

According to Batan, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica) would shoulder up to P280 billion of the total P350 billion cost of the subway project.  /kga

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1031169/solons-question-changes-in-route-of-p350-b-metro-manila-subway-project

Dalian trains to undergo nighttime simulation tests

But DOTr remains noncommittal on when these will be added to main MRT 3 system

Within the month, at least two of the brand new Dalian trains are expected to undergo nighttime “simulation tests” before being provisionally deployed on the main line of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) 3 for 150 hours.

But even if the provisional deployment would be pulled off without a hitch, Transportation Undersecretary for Rails TJ Batan was noncommittal when asked whether the new trains would go on to make regular runs.

Return to maker

Should technical problems crop up, the trains would be sent back to the Chinese manufacturer for rehabilitation, he told senators during Tuesday’s hearing on the Department of Transportation (DOTr) budget for 2019.

According to Batan, the nighttime tests would be done in coordination with Toshiba and the Philippine National Railways as part of the government’s efforts to verify the findings made by CRRC Dalian Co. Ltd. and international audit firm TUV Rheinland.

During the hearing, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade told senators that the China-made trains “[could] apparently be used” provisionally to help improve the operations of the aging and breakdown-prone MRT 3.

He was supported by Batan who said that while there were issues that needed to be addressed, an audit of the Dalian trains showed that these could indeed be used by the public.

One issue was adjusting the compatibility of the MRT 3 maintenance equipment since these were designed for the first-generation Czech-made MRT 3 trains, he said.

Asked by Sen. Nancy Binay if there were problems about the trains’ weight, Batan replied: “There’s an issue but it does not affect the safety and compatibility of the Dalian trains.”

He said that based on the audit conducted by the TUV, the China-made trains, when packed with 1,800 passengers, were within the prescribed fully loaded weight.

While all of the 48 trains purchased by the Aquino administration from Dalian were delivered in January 2017, these were left to gather dust at the MRT 3 depot as the DOTr cited safety and compatibility issues for their nondeployment.

Rail officials had pointed out that the P3.8-billion trains were overweight by at least three tons. Based on Dalian’s contract with the government, the trains should weigh 46.3 tons each but the delivered units weighed 49.7 tons.

Still within limits

Experts stressed, however, that the trains were still within the allowable limit.

Since the start of the year, the MRT 3 has recorded 65 unloading incidents. The latest was yesterday when a southbound train unloaded 700 passengers at Magallanes station after the motor developed electrical problems.

The expected deployment of the Dalian trains comes ahead of the planned general overhaul of the old MRT 3 trains starting next year. Batan said that their contract with the Japan International Cooperation Agency covering 72 MRT 3 coaches would last for 45 months.

During the rehabilitation period, the number of operational trains would go down from 15 to just 10, according to Tugade.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1031033/dalian-trains-to-undergo-nighttime-simulation-tests

PNR to validate Dalian MRT train repair findings

THE Department of Transportation (DoTr) has directed the Philippine National Railways (PNR) to supervise the testing of train sets manufactured by China’s CRRC Dalian Co. for the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3).

PNR General Manager Junn B. Magno said he was instructed by Transportation Secretary Arthur P. Tugade to validate the report of third-party auditor TUV Rheinland on the train sets before Sumitomo Corp. takes over as the railway’s maintenance provider.

“The report enumerated the reliability factors and the hazard factors of the train sets so we need to test that before we put it into revenue service,” he said during the Senate budget hearing of the DoTr on Tuesday.

He said the PNR was tapped since it has a division in the agency which deals with the reliability and maintainability of its trains.

Mr. Magno said the PNR will conduct simulations next week to check for possible major hazards with the train sets that the Chinese firm may have missed in its repairs.

After the simulation, the train sets will be placed in provisional revenue service by the MRT-3 for at least 150 hours. Mr. Magno said the testing may be conducted this month or October.

Mr. Magno said the PNR will then provide a recommendation to Mr. Tugade whether the train sets are suitable for revenue service or whether there is still a need for CRRC Dalian Co. to rectify some issues.

“If there are still hazards, we will not finish the 150 hours and will return the trains to (CCRC) Dalian so they will rectify it,” the PNR General Manager said.

DoTr Undersecretary for Rails Timothy John R. Batan said Toshiba Infrastructure Systems will also assist the government to validate whether CCRC Dalian has repaired the issues raised with the train sets identified by TUV Rheinland.

“We will run the trains first outside revenue hours so it would not affect operations when there are passengers and later on we will do it during revenue hours… Then, we will gradually deploy the trains in the existing fleet for longer period of time,” he told reporters after the legislative hearing.

He said the process of the simulation and testing will be discussed in a meeting with the various parties on Thursday.

The DoTr hopes to deploy the Dalian trains by the end of the year after it obtained the Chinese firm’s assurance it will shoulder the costs of any modifications.

Mr. Tugade stressed the importance of the deployment of the Dalian trains during the MRT-3 rehabilitation.

“We really need to use the Dalian trains. They said it can be used. If rehabilitation starts with MRT, only 10 trains may be operational. That would be a problem to the commuters. How can we meet the ideal target of the 600,000 passenger ridership with only 10 or 12 trains?” he said during the budget hearing.

The DoTr and the Japanese government, through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) finalized in May the terms of the rehabilitation for the MRT-3, which will take 43 months. — Camille A. Aguinaldo

http://www.bworldonline.com/pnr-to-validate-dalian-mrt-train-repair-findings/

Dalian MRT3 trains test run in October

The government wants to test whether the trains delivered by Chinese firm CRRC Dalian Company Limited are safe for public use

The unused Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT3) trains delivered by Chinese firm CRRC Dalian Company Limited will be tested for public use sometime in October, railway officials confirmed.

During the budget briefing of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Tuesday, September 11, Philippine National Railways (PNR) General Manager Jun Magno said that the 48 unused trains will undergo testing to determine whether these are safe for public use.

Dalian said it was able to rectify "hazard" issues related to the trains, and this is what PNR will test, together with Toshiba Infrastructure Systems. (READ: Dalian trains may be used later this year but...)

"Ang gagawin lang namin, subukan natin 150 hours patakbuhin [kung] totoo ba 'yung hazards na narectify na 'yan. So kung may hazards pa rin, hindi na namin tatapusin yang 150 [hours], isa-sauli na namin," Magno told reporters on Tuesday.

(What we will do is we will test-run the trains for 15 hours to know if it's true that the hazards were already rectified. If there are still hazards, we will not finish the 150 hours and send them back to Dalian.)

Magno noted that the government wants to keep a very low hazard probability, close to the rates when the MRT3 was turned over by the original manufacturer Japanese firm Sumitomo-Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.

He said that a hazard probability of 0.1% could still cause accidents and affect close to 100 passengers a year – a turnout that the government wants to avoid.

"Kaya nga may simulation muna kami para 'yang obvious na hazard matanggal na namin [ang tren sa test run]. Tapos 'yang mga hidden hazards na 'di pa namin nakikita, 'yun ang te-testing namin. Kunwari sa 150 [hours], may hidden hazard na malaki talaga, tatanggalin namin. Papa-rectify sa Dalian," Magno said.

(The reason why we have an initial simulation is so we can identify the trains with obvious hazards and remove them [from the test run]. The hidden hazards, we will be able to identify them during the test run. If there are huge hidden hazards during the 150-hour test run, we will remove them. Those have to be rectified by Dalian.)

The trains, when fielded for a test run, will be done during revenue operations. Magno estimated inserting two to 3 trains at a time, on top of the regular 15 trains servicing an average of 350,000 commuters daily.

Dalian will assume all costs related to repair of the unused trains, as well as providing spare parts, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said.

Agreement

Railways Undersecretary Timothy John Batan said that the timeline of the test run is still being finalized.

Sumitomo, the original builder of MRT3, is set to come in as the new maintenance provider of the train system. Batan said the government is targetting the signing of agreements by the end of September to coincide with the test run of of Dalian trains.

"Practically speaking, transition [to Sumitomo] is already ongoing because there are talks already. But the full mobilization will take time between now and October," Batan said.

The 48 Dalian trains were delivered in 2016 but remained unused due to supposed compatibility issues. The DOTr said the Dalian trains exceeded the total weight required in its contract, specifying that each train should weigh 46.4 tons, but the delivered trains weighed 49.7 tons.

The new coaches were part of the MRT3 expansion project, which aimed to decongest the railway system and increase its capacity to serve over 800,000 passengers daily.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/211720-dalian-mrt3-trains-to-be-tested-october-2018

Manila LRT 1 Cavite Extension – Site Office Project

Location: Sucat, Parañaque City
Country: Philippines
Client: Bouygues Travaux Publics Phils., Inc.
Services Provided: MEPF

Meinhardt has provided Consulting Services to which will include Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and Fire Protection Services.

The development of Manila LRT 1 Cavite Extension – Site Office Project is a two (2) buildings, two (2) storey structure per building located near Dr. Santos Station in Sucat, Paranaque City.

The two (2) buildings will have an estimated total floor area of 3,000 sq.m (1,500 sq.m.) per building.

The site office has an estimated occupant from 250 to 300 staff and will be utilized in the next 3 to 4 years.

ADB approves Malalos-Clark rail assistance package

THE ASIAN DEVELOPMENT Bank (ADB) has approved a $2-million technical assistance grant for the 51-kilometer Malolos-Clark railway.

The ADB approved the Railway Project Implementation Support and Institutional Strengthening project on Aug. 22, drawn from the Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction, according to ADB documents.

The grant seeks to “help the government to prepare project implementation and project management, establish the institutional structure as required under the policy framework for the future railway sector in the Philippines and develop the capacity to manage operation and maintain the ensuing project.”

This includes consulting services to support the Department of Transportation (DoTr) in land acquisition, resettlement and livelihood skills development activities for persons affected by the project; consulting services to support procurement activities; consulting services to develop and implement a public communication strategy with project affected persons; consulting services to develop and implement gender mainstreaming activities under the gender action plan; and other support by consultants and training as required to accelerate project implementation.

The Philippine National Railway (PNR) North 2 Malolos-Clark railway is among the government’s flagship infrastructure projects to decongest Manila, which will link Malolos, Bulacan to Clark International Airport and Clark Green City.

According to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), the project will cost P211.43 billion, and will be co-financed by the ADB and the Japanese government.

The project is targeted to start construction by the third quarter next year, and completed by 2024.

NEDA said right-of-way clearing is ongoing, and detailed engineering design is expected to be completed by March or April next year.

The Philippine government also expects the exchange of notes and signing of the loan agreement with Japan in the fourth quarter this year.

The government is relying largely on infrastructure to boost economic growth to 7-8% until 2022, and reduce poverty rate to 14% by then. — Elijah Joseph C. Tubayan

http://www.bworldonline.com/adb-approves-malolos-clark-rail-assistance-package/

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