Megawide Construction Corporation and its partner Maplecrest Group Inc (MGI), through their joint venture Cavite Rapid Transport Inc, have signed a contract with the provincial government of Cavite (PGC) for the development of Cavite Bus Rapid Transit (CBRT) system in the Philippines.

“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,” shared Megawide CEO and chairman Edgar Saavedra.

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 organised bus transport system along a 29-km stretch, designed to serve approximately 10,000 passengers and can be expanded up to 80,000 passengers daily.

The project has an estimated total cost of Php1.87 billion spread throughout the JV period, and will be carried out in two phases. Phase 1 will have three terminals with 27 stations, which 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.

Phase 2 will consist of one terminal and 20 stations, which 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 the CBRT Phase 1 will start 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 network 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 greater convenience.

“Our focus on intermodal connectivity, efficient transport systems and commuter-centred solutions aims to contribute to improving public transportation and enhancing mobility for Caviteños,” said Mr 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 CBRT project is envisioned to boost Cavite’s transportation capabilities and enhance connectivity within the province and to Metro Manila, while also reducing traffic congestion and supporting local economic development. This goal aligns with Megawide’s pursuit to engineer a First-World Philippines through innovative infrastructure solutions.