A new transportation hub, set to rival the scale of the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX), is in the works in Quezon City, the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) announced.
In a statement, the pension fund said on Monday, Oct. 22, that four government agencies have joined forces to develop the project on a three-hectare GSIS lot along Quezon City's elliptical circle.
According to GSIS, the initiative is a direct response to Presidential Marcos' directive for the construction of an Intermodal Rail-City Bus Terminal and Depot in the city.
In a recent meeting, the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and Quezon City government agreed to collaborate on the project.
The proposed transport hub, tentatively named "Project HUB," is expected to enhance connectivity in the area. It aims to provide support to existing transportation lines and will be seamlessly integrated with the MRT-7, which is scheduled to start operating in 2027.
GSIS said it will provide the land for the project, while the DOTr, with the assistance of the World Bank, will oversee the planning, financing, and implementation.
The MMDA will conduct a feasibility study and traffic management plan, and the Quezon City government will facilitate necessary permits and requirements.
Wick Veloso, GSIS president and general manager, said the project, with the strategic location of its property, has the potential to become a world-class transport hub.
“Our property in Quezon City is centrally located and accessible, positioned in a location that maximizes connectivity with the city and surrounding regions,” Veloso said.
“The end view of the Project Hub is a world-class intermodal transport hub that is a well-organized, modern facility that streamlines the bus travel experience, focusing on efficiency, passenger comfort, and seamless connectivity with other transport modes including the MRT-7,” he added.
As a temporary measure, the GSIS, MMDA, and Quezon City government will convert part of the GSIS property into a temporary parking area to accommodate 300 vehicles.
This will provide relief to the area's parking congestion while the permanent development is underway, GSIS said.