Megawide, MGI sign P1.87-billion CBRT contract


Engineering and infrastructure conglomerate Megawide Construction Corporation and Maplecrest Group Inc. (MGI), through the joint venture Cavite Rapid Transport Inc., have signed the contract for the P1.87 billion Cavite Bus Rapid Transit System Project (CBRT) with the Provincial Government of Cavite (PGC).

“We are excited to collaborate with MGI and the provincial government of Cavite on this transformative project,” said Megawide Chairman and CEO Edgar Saavedra. 

He note that “the initial phase of CBRT will serve close to 10,000 daily passengers, with a target to increase ridership five-fold within three years, depending on Cavite’s progress. This is part of our commitment to providing world-class infrastructure for Filipinos.”

The CBRT is a Private-Public Partnership (PPP) Project of the PGC, under a 30-year “Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT)" Joint Venture (JV) agreement, to develop an efficient and organized bus transport system along a 29-kilometer stretch.

It is designed to serve approximately 10,000 passengers and can be expandable up to 80,000 passengers daily. The project has an estimated total cost of P1.87 billion spread throughout the JV period. 

The development is split into two phases. Phase 1 will have three terminals with 27 stations and will involve the operation of a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and Point-to-Point (P2P) bus system traversing several cities and municipalities – including Kawit, Imus, General Trias, and Tanza. 

Meanwhile, Phase 2 will be composed of one terminal and 20 stations and will be interconnected to Trece Martires via the New Cavite Provincial Capitol. The alignment will connect to the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) and other CBDs via P2P.

Construction of Phase 1 of the CBRT starts in the first quarter of this year and is expected to be operational in the third quarter. Completion of the whole project is targeted in 2028.

The BRT system is a modern public transportation solution designed for speed, reliability, and convenience. It operates on scheduled trips along dedicated lanes, ensuring faster travel times and reduced traffic congestion. 

The system features integrated and strategically located stations that are easily accessible, with stops situated close to landmarks for added convenience. 

With Megawide’s expertise in transport infrastructure, the CBRT continues the company’s commitment to delivering innovative and impactful solutions for the country’s mobility challenges. 

“Our focus on intermodal connectivity, efficient transport systems, and commuter-centered solutions aims to contribute to improving public transportation and enhancing mobility for Caviteños,” said Saavedra. 

A significant portion of the CBRT alignment will go through the spine road of Lancaster New City, a project of MGI’s subsidiary, Profriends. Lancaster New City's spine road is a limited access road that traverses Imus, General Trias and Tanza.  

"The integration of the CBRT into Lancaster New City's spine will help enhance mobility and connectivity for the communities we serve, which is part of our advocacy of uplifting the life of the common man,” shared MGI Chairman Guillermo Choa.    

The CBRT is envisioned to boost Cavite’s transportation capabilities and enhance connectivity within the province and to Metro Manila, with the added benefit of reducing traffic congestion, and supporting local economic development. 

This pursuit aligns with Megawide’s pursuit to engineer a First-World Philippines through innovative infrastructure solutions.