New integrated terminal exchange in Taguig seen to be finished in 2027

Metro Manila, Philippines - A transportation hub in eastern Metro Manila has officially broken ground after years of delay and is expected to be finished by 2027, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said on Monday, Feb. 3.

In a groundbreaking ceremony in Taguig City, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said the five-hectare Taguig City Integrated Terminal Exchange (TCITX) will provide a rationalized point for passengers in and out of the metropolis and neighboring Calabarzon.

The agency said TCITX can accommodate up to 160,000 passengers and 5,200 vehicles.

“This project will be instrumental in decongesting major thoroughfares and offering a smoother journey for the riding public,” DOTr said.

The project is a public-private partnership with real estate firm Ayala Land, Inc., which secured the concession agreement in 2015.

The TCITX is poised to provide seamless travel for commuters, as it will be connected to two railway systems: the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR), which links Clark, Pampanga to Calamba, Laguna and the Metro Manila Subway Project.

“So one can come to Laguna via bus and transfer to the subway to go to Quezon City or take the NSCR and head straight to Pampanga. This is the kind of infrastructure that truly propels productivity and growth,” said Anna Ma. Margarita Dy, president and CEO of Ayala Land, Inc.

The terminal will include passenger terminal buildings, arrival and departure bays, public information systems, and park-ride facilities.

Access to Skyway 4

Meanwhile, the TCITX would also have a direct link to the Southeast Metro Manila Expressway (SEMME) or the Skyway Stage 4 of San Miguel Corporation.

On Monday, the government signed a right of way agreement with its stakeholders, which will pave the way for “smooth construction of SEMME in portions traversing the property of Veterans Federation of the Philippines” in Taguig.

The 32.7-kilometer tollway could accommodate up to over 88,000 motorists per day. It is also seen to cut travel time from Bicutan to Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City from almost two hours to just 30 minutes.

The DOTr said under the 30-year concession deal, the project’s Phase 1 will pass through Parañaque, Taguig City, Taytay, Antipolo, Marikina City, and Quezon City, and is seen to decongest C5.

“The signing of ROW (right of way) paves the way for us to resume the construction of the much needed SEMME. We express our deepest gratitude to DND (Department of National Defense), to Veterans Federation of the Philippines for working with us to come up with an agreement that is beneficial to all parties, especially the public,” Cecile Ang, San Miguel Foundation chairperson, said during the ceremony.