NEGOTIATIONS UP ON PROPOSED P2.5-B SMART URBAN MOBILITY PROJECT

February 22, 2025 Metro BLISTT

MPTC sustains consultation drive

BAGUIO CITY

Negotiations are going on for the P2.5 billion Smart Urban Mobility (SUM) project in the city by proponent Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC). A top MPTC official said their proposed project still has to pass to the City Development Council for evaluation and endorsement. And to the City Council ,expectedly, a public hearing will be conducted. In Thursday (Feb 20) consultation held at Crown Legacy, spearheaded by the proponent MPTC , a cross-section of the community , notably, women, expressed varied concerns regarding the proposed project.

Midway in the forum, Mayor Benjamin Magalong spoke and emphatically denied reports that he and the city council already have approved the proposed multi-billion SUM project. The mayor , however, enjoined the group that its high time for the city to adopt a modern system to address the growing traffic problem. Mark De Leon, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer led other MPTC officials in discussing the features and advantages of SUM. On top, De Leon presented why the city needs SUM —rapid developments has triggered a population surge that surpasses the city’s capacity and public transport commuters are underserved majority.

Number coding alone is not enough; traffic congestions, evidence by slow traffic speeds, and motorists indiscipline becoming a growing concern. On mobility fee charging, the MPTC official said-the city central business district is highly congested during peak hours; yearly the city is losing up to P692 million of economic cost; and 126K tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) emitted by transport alone. Furthermore, traffic will worsen if left uncontrolled ,high cost of building more roads and shift to behavior of motorists. The mobility fee charging will be implemented only during peak hours :BLISTT residents charging Monday-Friday 7:00 AM to 9:00AM; 4:30PM to 6:30PM while non-residents charging Monday to Thursday 7:00AM to 9:00AM; 4:30PM to 6:30PM; Friday-Sunday 7:00AM to 7:00PM.

Exempted vehicles are -public utility jeepneys, senior citizens/PWDs, uniformed personnel of armed forces and police on active duty, emergency responses vehicle, school services, and electric vehicles. And seven free passes for BLISTT residents. Proposed fees cover—motorcycles P50; private vehicles P150 BLISTT residents,P280 non -residents; taxis P50; light goods P100; big buses P200;and heavy goods P200. The Mobility Fee Zones Charging Zones cover 16 in central business entry points.

Primo Agatep/ABN