LRMC pushes for LRT-1 fare hike

THE operator of Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1) continued to push for a P5 fare hike, saying this would allow the company to proceed with the construction of the train line’s extension to Cavite.

Light Rail Manila Corp. (LRMC) Chief Executive Officer Juan F. Alfonso said in a statement on Thursday the higher fare will push banks to extend loans for the Cavite extension project “knowing LRMC can recover its investment.”

“A P5 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,” it said.

In March, LRMC filed its application to hike LRT-1 fares by as much as P7. The current fare is P15, P20 and P30, depending on distance traveled.

Transportation Undersecretary for Railways Timothy John R. Batan told reporters on Wednesday the application is still being processed, and the public consultation has been postponed.

No fare hikes in the LRT-1 has been implemented since LRMC took over its operations and maintenance in September 2015.

LRMC is the private concessionaire of the Department of Transportation for the LRT-1. Part of its agreement with the government is the 5% fare increase every two years and the extension of the LRT-1 from the Baclaran station to Bacoor, Cavite.

When completed, LRMC said the Cavite extension will cut travel time from Baclaran to Sucat to 15 minutes; to Las Piñas to 20 minutes; and to Bacoor to 30 minutes.

“We are investing P5 for every P1 revenue to ensure that LRT-1 is efficient, trouble-free, and also clean. Today, trains come every 3.5 minutes, down from 5 minutes when LRMC took over operations and maintenance in 2015,” Mr. Alfonso added.

LRMC is the consortium of Ayala Corp., Metro Pacific Light Rail Corp., Metro Pacific Investments Corp. and Macquarie Infrastructure Holdings (Philippines) Pte. Ltd.

Metro Pacific Investments Corp. is one of three Philippine subsidiaries of Hong Kong’s First Pacific Co. Ltd., the others being PLDT, Inc. and Philex Mining Corp. Hastings Holdings, Inc., a unit of PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund subsidiary MediaQuest Holdings, Inc., maintains an interest in BusinessWorld through the Philippine Star Group. — Denise A. Valdez

LRT 1 fare hike to ensure ‘smooth’ sailing of railway-extension project–LRMC exec

A fare hike being charged to Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line 1 commuters will ensure smooth sailing for the train facility’s expansion, as this will give lenders the confidence to bankroll the P30-billion price tag for the railway system’s extension, its operator said.

Light Rail Manila Corp. (LRMC) President Juan F. Alfonso said his group is pushing for the fare adjustment—a component included in the concession agreement that the company signed with the government ­—to assure the construction of the railway station all the way to Bacoor.

The fare increase “will give banks the confidence to lend to the company the funds for the Cavite Extension, knowing LRMC can recover its investment,” he added.

Once built, the Cavite Extension will allow travel from Baclaran to Sucat to only 15 minutes; to Las Pinas, 20 minutes; and to Bacoor, 30 minutes.

“We can virtually guarantee these travel times because we are traffic- free. And we are investing P5 for every P1 revenue to ensure that LRT 1 is efficient, trouble free, and also clean. Today, trains come every 3.5 minutes, down from five minutes when LRMC took over operations and maintenance in 2015,” he said.

Alfonso noted that the P5 increase will result in P25 in average fares, or about the same price as bus rides, and much lower than taxis and transport network company fares “without traffic.”

“LRT 1 is the solution to the traffic problem caused by the high population density and urbanization of Metro Manila,” he said, citing a Japan International Cooperation Agency study that estimated that traffic cost is P3.5 billion a day in Metro Manila.

“If we do nothing, it will become P5.4 billion a day in 2034, but by accelerating infrastructure projects, it can be reduced to P3 billion a day. And with projects like the Cavite Extension, this can be further reduced to P2.4 billion a day,” he added.

Ridership at Southeast Asia’s oldest overhead railway system is seen to reach as much as 800,000 passengers per day in three years, owing to increased capacity and demand.

Daily ridership has reached 459,400 passengers as of March.

The first stage of the Cavite Extension involves the construction of the first five stations from Redemptorist to Dr. Santos.

These are included in the first package of right of way, which is expected to be delivered sometime this year.

Targeted for completion in about four years after the delivery of easement, the 11.7-kilometer Cavite extension will connect into the existing system immediately south of the Baclaran Station and run in a generally southerly direction to Niyog, Cavite.

It will consist of elevated guideways throughout the majority of the alignment, except for the guideway section at Zapote, which will be located at grade.

Eight new stations will be provided with three intermodal facilities across Pasay City, Parañaque City, Las Piñas City and Cavite. The new stations are Redemptorist, MIA, Asia World, Ninoy Aquino, Dr. Santos, Las Piñas, Zapote and Niyog. The intermodal facilities, shall be located at Dr. Santos, Zapote and Niyog.

The new stations will be accessible to and from nearby community facilities, such as shops, schools, stadium and park, and will be located to suit passenger-flow routes from residential areas.

Pedestrian access to all new stations will be direct, safe and easy. Details, such as lighting to distinguish access points, pedestrian-cross striping and curb cuts for handicapped access, will be provided.

The company has invested P7.5 billion in the railway system so far since it took over in 2015.

LRT-1 operator eyes fare increase of P5

Light Rail Manila Corp., the private sector operator of the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1), is pushing for a P5 increase in fare to assure the construction of the extension stage to Bacoor in Cavite.

LRMC president Juan Alfonso said the fare increase would give banks the confidence to lend to the company the funds for the Cavite extension.

Alfonso said the P30-billion Cavite extension project would allow travel from Baclaran to Sucat in only 15 minutes; to Las Pinas, 20 minutes; and to Bacoor, 30 minutes.

“We can virtually guarantee these travel times because we are traffic-free. And we are investing P5 for every P1 revenue to ensure that LRT-1 is efficient, trouble-free, and also clean. Today, trains come every 3.5 minutes, down from 5 minutes when LRMC took over operations and maintenance in 2015,” he said.

The average fare is proposed to increase to P25, or just about the same as a bus fare, and much lower than taxi and transport network company fares, “without traffic,” Alfonso said. 

LRT 1 operator says P5 fare hike to fund Cavite extension

The operator of LRT 1 on Thursday it was seeking a P5 increase in fares to fund the extension of the capital's oldest light rail system to the Cavite suburbs.

Light Rail Manila Corp (LRMC) said extending the railway from Baclaran in Parañaque City to Bacoor, Cavite would cost P30 billion.

The fare increase will give banks the confidence to lend to the LRMC, knowing it could recover its investment, the company said.

Once built, the Cavite extension will let people travel from Baclaran to Sucat in 15 minutes, to Las Pinas in 20 minutes, and to Bacoor in 30 minutes, LRMC said.

The extension will stretch LRT-1 over 33 kilometers, from Roosevelt in Quezon City to Niog, Bacoor City in Cavite.

LRMC is a joint venture company of Metro Pacific Investments Corp’s Metro Pacific Light Rail Corp, Ayala Corporation’s AC Infrastructure Holdings Corp, and the Philippine Investment Alliance for Infrastructure’s Macquarie Infrastructure Holdings.

Two Pasig River bridges to start construction next week

THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said it is set to begin construction on two China-funded bridges along the Pasig River next week.

DPWH Secretary Mark A. Villar told reporters during an inspection of the site on Wednesday that the department has scheduled for next week the groundbreaking for the Binondo-Intramuros and Estrella-Pantaleon bridges.

“Next week we will be groundbreaking with President Rodrigo R. Duterte. After groundbreaking, construction will commence,” he said.

The Estrella-Pantaleon bridge spans 506.46 meters, while the Binondo-Intramuros bridge is planned for 734 meters.

Mr. Villar said construction of the two four-lane bridges is priced at about $70 million.

“The two China Grant-Aid Bridges are financed by the People’s Republic of China through a bilateral cooperation with the Republic of the Philippines,” DPWH said in a statement.

The DPWH has set a two-year construction period for the project.

“You will observe now that Del Pan and the bridges across Pasig are quite congested. (The new bridges) will ease it up by creating additional access points here in Binondo and Intramuros in Metro Manila,” Mr. Villar said.

He noted this project is part of the Metro Manila Logistics Master Plan that aims to construct 12 bridges in addition to the 30 existing bridges over the Pasig River to decongest roads. — Denise A. Valdez

PRRD to lead groundbreaking of 2 bridges next week: DPWH

President Rodrigo Duterte will lead the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the Estrella-Pantaleon Bridge in Mandaluyong City and Binondo-Intramuros Bridge in Manila next week.

This was announced by Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Mark Villar on Wednesday during the ocular inspection of the site for the construction of the four-lane bridge in Manila.

“Next week is the groundbreaking of these projects, with President Duterte after the groundbreaking the construction of the projects will proceed,” Villar said in an interview.

The DPWH chief noted that the two bridges worth USD70 million were donated by the Chinese government.

“These two bridges are a product of our partnership with the people of China. We are optimistic about this collaboration as they will be providing world-class bridges that will truly be beneficial for us Filipinos,” Villar said.

“The implementation of these bridges is scheduled to begin next week and will be accessible to the public by 2020,” he added.

With a total length of 506.46 meters, the Estrella-Pantaleon Bridge will connect Estrella Street in Makati City and Barangka Drive in Mandaluyong City.

On the other hand, the Binondo-Intramuros Bridge will have a total road length of 734 meters, equipped with a four-lane carriageway and a three-meter sidewalk along both sides. It will cross the Pasig River and will provide a new link between Intramuros and Binondo.

Vlliar explained that two bridges are part of the Metro Manila Logistics Improvement Network, a traffic management plan composed of 12 new bridges crossing Pasig River, Marikina River, and Manggahan Floodway.

The alignment caters to about 1.3 million vehicles daily and provides alternative linkages between major thoroughfares, such as EDSA and C5.

“The construction of the Estrella-Pantaleon Bridge and Binondo-Intramuros Bridge is part of our master plan to decongest other existing bridges. As a major component of this initiative, we plan to further increase the number of bridges nationwide and rehabilitate the older bridges to ensure public safety,’’ Villar said. (PNA)

DPWH says finalizing approval of CTBEx

By Denise A. Valdez

THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is looking to grant “very soon” the original proponent status (OPS) to the Metro Pacific group for its proposal to build a Cavite-Tagaytay-Batangas Expressway (CTBEx).

Public Works Secretary Mark A. Villar told reporters last week the department is “finalizing” the project’s approval.

“I don’t want to preempt but soon…. Nakita ko naman, napag-aralan ko naman [I’ve seen it, I’ve studied it],” he said.

The proposal to construct a 49-kilometer toll road linking the Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX) at Silang East Interchange to Tagaytay City and Nasugbu, Batangas was submitted by MPCALA Holdings, Inc. to the DPWH in July 2017.

MPCALA Holdings President Luigi L. Bautista told BusinessWorld in a text message on Tuesday that fund-raising for the P22.43-billion CTBEx project will begin when they receive the OPS.

“No fund-raising has yet been started until we secure the project and are ready to execute. At the moment, we are still waiting for the OPS,” he said.

Mr. Bautista said in late April they were expecting the approval by June, but up until last week he said they have yet to receive an update from the DPWH.

The DPWH earlier set a November 2017 deadline for its release of the project evaluation results.

The construction of CTBEx was originally set to begin on mid-2019 and completed by mid-2020.

Once MPCALA Holdings is granted OPS from the DPWH, the proposal would then be forwarded to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) for approval. When approved by the NEDA Board, it will then be subjected to a Swiss challenge.

Under the Swiss challenge, other companies may submit counter-proposals which MPCALA Holdings may match.

MPCALA Holdings, which is part of Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC), bagged the contract for the P35.43 billion CALAX under the public-private partnership program in 2015.

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

NLEX starts work on toll road link by Q1 of 2019

NLEX Corp. said it expects to start construction of the P23-billion expressway linking North Luzon Expressway and South Luzon Expressway by the first quarter of 2019.

“We want to be able to mobilize construction by fourth quarter and full blast by first quarter of next year,” NLEX president and chief executive Rodrigo Franco said.

The Department of Public Works and Highways expects to deliver the right-of-way by May next year for the NLEx-SLEx Connector Road Project.

NLEX secured the notice of award from Public Works on Sept. 19, 2016, but the construction of the NLEx-SLEx Connector Road was affected by the delay in the delivery of right-of-way.

The project is an unsolicited proposal approved by the National Economic and Development Authority under the build-operate-transfer scheme for the design, financing, construction, operation, and maintenance of an 8-kilometer elevated toll expressway over the right-of-way of Philippine National Railways.

The project starts at the junction of NLEx Segment 10 at C-3 Road/5th Ave. in Caloocan City and will connect to South Luzon Expressway though Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 Project in Manila.

Upon completion in 2021, the elevated expressway will provide motorists another alternative to the heavily congested Edsa.

The project is also expected to reduce travel time between NLEx and SLEx from two hours to only 20 minutes.

NLEX budgeted P19 billion this year for the construction of the NLEx-SLEx Project and the Harbor Link Segment 10, including the R10 Section in Dagat-Dagatan, Navotas City.

Expected to be opened this year, Harbor Link Segment 10 is a 5.7-km elevated expressway traversing NLEx from Smart Connect Interchange and cross over Mac Arthur Highway in Valenzuela City with down ramps along C3/5th Ave. Interchange in Caloocan City.

Once Harbor Link is fully completed, travel between the Port of Manila and NLEx will take just 10 minutes and provide direct expressway access to commercial vehicles, especially heavy trucks.

Around 40,000 vehicles traversing the Port of Manila and NLEx daily are expected to benefit from Harbor Link.

Preliminary work on NLEx-SLEx connector road to start by Q4

PRELIMINARY construction work for the connector road that will link the Metro Pacific group’s North Luzon Expressway (NLEx) and San Miguel Corp.’s South Luzon Expressway (SLEx) is expected to start by the fourth quarter of this year, Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC) said.

MPTC President and Chief Executive Officer Rodrigo E. Franco told reporters last week that work on the NLEx-SLEx connector road is expected to commence within the fourth quarter, and to go full blast by the first quarter of 2019.

“We’re working within the timetable, and we would want to be able to mobilize construction towards the fourth quarter,” he said on the sidelines of the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEx) piling ceremony in Cebu on Thursday.

Mr. Franco also said acquisition of the right of way for the first section of the alignment is moving, but the deadline for the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is still second quarter next year.

The NLEx-SLEx connector road is an eight-kilometer road to be built above the tracks of the Philippine National Railways (PNR) from C3 Road in Caloocan City to Polytechnic University of the Philippines in Sta. Mesa, Manila.

The elevated road is set to be completed by 2021, by then it is expected to cut travel time from NLEx to SLEx from two hours to 20 minutes, and from Clark, Pampanga to Calamba, Laguna from three hours to one hour and 40 minutes.

NLEX Corp. is expecting a traffic of at least 35,000 vehicles every day when operations of the connector road begin.

Last week, NLEX Corp. announced it will tap the bond market by the fourth quarter to secure funds for the connector road.

Mr. Franco said its construction would cost them P16 billion, and P22 billion including the right of way.

He also said 70% of the costs, or around P11 billion to P12 billion, will be collected from banks or bonds. The rest would be coming from equity.

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

Groundwork for NLEX-SLEX connector road starts in Q4

Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC) unit NLEX Corp. plans to start mobilizing for the construction of the North Luzon Expressway - South Luzon Expressway (NLEX-SLEX) connector road project by the fourth quarter this year and begin actual works by the first quarter of next year.

NLEX Corp. president and chief executive officer Rodrigo Franco said the firm intends to “mobilize by fourth quarter [this year] then, full blast first quarter.”

He said the Department of Public Works and Highways is working on the acquisition and delivery of right-of-way for the construction of the project.

“It’s moving. Their deadline is second quarter next year for the first section. So, we’re working within the timetable,” he said.

The NLEX-SLEX connector road project with a cost of P23.3 billion, is an eight-kilometer, all elevated four-lane toll expressway which would extend the NLEX southward from the end of Segment 10 in C3 Road Caloocan City to PUP Sta. Mesa, Manila and connect to the Skyway Stage 3, mostly traversing the Philippine National Railways’ track.

It will include two interchanges located at C3 Road in Caloocan and España in Manila.

Among the aim of the project is to help decongest Metro Manila traffic, as well as help stimulate development in Manila, Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas and surrounding areas.

The project also seeks to provide trucks with an alternative route.

Once completed, the project is expected to benefit at least 35,000 motorists per day.

It is expected to cut travel time from SLEX to NLEX to 20 minutes from two hours, as well as from Clark to Calamba to one hour and 40 minutes from approximately three hours.

Apart from the NLEX-SLEX connector road project, MPIC is building other tollways such as the Cavite-Laguna Expressway, NLEX-Harbor Link Segment 10, C-5 South Link and Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway.

MPIC currently operates the following tollways: NLEX, Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway and the Manila Cavite Toll Expressway.

In addition to tollways, MPIC is into other businesses such as water, power, hospitals, railways and logistics.


Read more at https://www.philstar.com/business/2018/07/10/1832039/groundwork-nlex-slex-connector-road-starts-q4#L07SYpHEMGVr5kqa.99