GOV. PACK ROAD EYED AS LOCAL PUBLIC TRANSPORT HUB

March 29, 2025 Metro BLISTT

BAGUIO CITY

Governor Pack Road is being considered as a new transport hub for public utility jeepneys (PUJs) and taxis in a bid to streamline the city’s
commuting system. During a special session of the Baguio City Council on March 27, 2025, Assistant City Planning, Development, and
Sustainability Officer Elias Aoanan presented to the city council members the conceptual design of the two-story structure to be built along Governor Pack Road. The second ground floor level, with an area of 850 sqm, is dedicated to commercial spaces with a reflective glass facade.

These spaces are intended for shops, restaurants, and offices. With an area of around 2,000 sqm, the ground floor level and first basement level functions as a centralized terminal for public utility vehicles (PUVs), specifically PUJs and taxis, accommodating eight to 10 units at a time. This level also features interactive paneling such as digital displays or modern design elements. The terrace ramp serves as a circulation access that facilitates movement between levels. The terraced design might also help with traffic flow and ease of navigation.

The second to fourth basement levels are pay-parking spaces for private vehicles which will accommodate around 200 cars. The design includes terraced planting strips in an effort to integrate green spaces into the infrastructure. The relocation of southbound buses to the
proposed Baguio City Integrated Terminal along Palispis Highway in Dontogan Barangay will pave the way for the public transport hub project to begin. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the administrator of OCT 1 where Governor Pack Road is located, has given positive feedback on the master redevelopment plan for the area.

Aonan stated in an interview that there are no definite plans yet regarding which jeepneys will be housed in the facility as negotiations
between the city government and DENR have not taken place yet. However, it will most likely accommodate those under the red and green
trunk lines given their proximity to Governor Pack Road, he said. This redevelopment is one of the city government’s planned projects within the Central Business District. Other initiatives include preserving historical sites and developing structures such as Baden Powell Hall, Maharlika Building, Baguio Cathedral, and the Post Office.

SP/Jordan G. Habbiling