Iloilo BRT system gets PPP Center’s nod

The establishment of a localized bus rapid transit (BRT) system in this city is close to realization after the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center endorsed a firm’s proposal.

Mayor Jerry Treñas said on Friday, March 22, that the national PPP Center had forwarded a proposal from First Balfour Inc., a subsidiary of the Lopez Group’s First Philippine Holdings, to the city government on March 20.

“After review, the PPP Center found it complete, so all the documents were brought to us. It is now ready for consideration by the PPP committee [of the city government],” he said.

Treñas added that the proposal will ensure the modernization of the city’s transportation system with green power.

“This will bring Iloilo City on par with Cebu and Davao, where the national government is currently developing a BRT system to assist in managing the traffic situation,” he added.

If the city government’s PPP committee deems the project feasible, the involved parties will enter into a contract agreement, and the proposal will undergo a Swiss challenge.

Treñas said that the initial proposal by the firm outlines three lines, encompassing routes from Diversion Road, Arevalo, and Jaro districts, each serviced by 16 buses.

The BRT project is expected to commence civil works in the first quarter of 2025, he added.

It can be recalled that the firm initially introduced the proposal to the city government in March last year.

First Balfour requested access to Iloilo City’s 2023-2028 Comprehensive Land Use Plan and Local Public Transport Route Plan to tailor its EV BRT proposal accordingly.