The government is looking at forging public-private partnerships (PPP) for the establishment of more integrated transport exchanges in Metro Manila to address traffic congestion, Transport Secretary Jaime Bautista said on Wednesday.

During a traffic summit in San Juan attended by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., Bautista highlighted the importance of operating integrated transport exchanges, citing the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) experience with the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITx).

He said the government is planning for a bigger project in Taguig in cooperation with the Ayala Group.

“Dito po sa north, nagtitingin din tayo ng possible location. Ang possible pong location nito ay iyong dito sa Victory Liner, mayroon pong seven hectares property dito – we had the initial discussion with the owners of Victory Liner,” Bautista said.

“Kailangan po magkaroon tayo noong tinatawag na public-private partnership with the owners. So, ito po ang tinitingnan natin ngayon and kung sakaling matuloy po ito ay hihingi kami sa LGU para mapabilis natin iyong pag-i-issue ng mga permit,” he pointed out.

At the same time, the DOTr will be working closely with the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) for immediate project approval of high-cost projects, which require the agency’s nod.

Marco Del Pilar, the representative of the Provincial Bus Operators of the Philippines, has sought government support for the construction and future expansion of terminal exchange facilities similar to PITx.

Del Pilar asked the government to simplify the facilitation of construction and building permits involving transit-oriented projects, as well as the provision of tax incentives to ensure the financial viability of such undertakings. | PND