Impact on decongestion, accessibility and costs   BAGUIO CITY — With the fate of the proposed Integrated Terminal Project now in the hands of the local legislative body, city council members recently held preliminary discussions with the executive department and representatives of the original proponent. Aside from the project’s technical and financial aspects, its impact on decongestion, accessibility, and passenger costs was also explored. The project is one of the major initiatives the city government plans to undertake under the  Public-Private Partnership (PPP) scheme, with Megawide Construction Corporation as the original proponent. Previously endorsed by the City Development Council (CDC) after its successful negotiation, the proposal has been under review by the city council since February 6, 2025. The local legislative body has 120 days from that date to complete its review and decide whether to deny, completely approve, or approve it with amended parameters, terms, and conditions (PTCs). The proposed terminal will accommodate provincial buses from outside Baguio and will serve as a transfer hub for passengers connecting to various modes of transportation within the city. Covering over approximately five hectares along Palispis Highway, the planned facility is situated around 45 kilometers from the city center. It will feature dedicated loading and unloading bays for provincial and in-city transport, a staging area for buses, a passenger waiting area with commercial spaces, public parking for park-and-ride services, and designated green spaces. To address traffic impact, the terminal will have at least two access points, a dedicated right-turn slip lane, and signalized intersections for smoother traffic flow. Other planned amenities include a 24-hour security and safety system, facilities for persons with disabilities, and an information kiosk to assist passengers. The proposed project will follow the model of other existing transport terminals such as the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) and the Taguig International Terminal Exchange (ITx). A Strategic Step Toward Decongesting the City The proposed integrated terminal is expected to decongest the Central Business District (CBD) by relocating south-bound provincial buses from Governor Pack Road to the outskirts of the city. This move will lessen congestion caused by loading, unloading, and terminal activities along the said road and its nearby areas. Earlier, Architect Donna Tabangin, Head of the City Planning, Development, and Sustainability Office (CPDSO), stated that the site is an ideal location for an intermodal bus terminal as it is situated along one of the city’s major transportation corridors. She added that constructing the terminal on the outskirts of the city is considered a long-term solution to the traffic problems experienced in the Central Business District (CBD). Several city council members, such as Councilors Arthur Allad-iw and Fred Bagbagen, expressed support for the project’s noble goal, noting that it is also expected to bring economic benefits to the city by attracting entrepreneurs, particularly those from Baguio and nearby municipalities like Tuba, through commercial spaces such as the Pasalubong Center. City Council Weighs Accessibility and Passenger Costs While intended to ease congestion in the CBD, the relocation of south-bound buses raised concerns in the city council. Councilor Betty Lourdes Tabanda questioned how passengers would travel to and from the terminal, stressing the need for clear transport arrangements. City Administrator Bonifacio Dela Peña said passenger transport between the terminal and the CBD is part of the Smart Urban Mobility Project (SMUP) which includes using Tuba transport lines. However, Tabanda noted that the SMUP is not yet in place, making transport options an immediate concern. Dela Peña acknowledged that, as of now, only existing taxis and public utility jeepneys from Tuba could ferry passengers to the CBD and vice versa. Councilor Elmer Datuin likewise expressed concern over the relocation of buses to the new terminal, noting that consultations with stakeholders, including passengers, would be crucial as some might object to the relocation due to accessibility issues, especially that the city currently lacks multiple transport options such as buses and trains. Councilor Fred Bagbagen urged the proponent to address the transportation gap between the terminal and the city proper by providing a free ride. He said some passengers might only have just enough fare for their trips and that the lack of transport alternatives would force passengers to take taxis, making the additional expense a significant issue. Dela Peña admitted that the issue of in-city transportation had not been fully considered yet but would be discussed further. He mentioned that the Tuba transport line is expected to accommodate the passengers, but this will come with additional expense for commuters. The councilors also expressed concern over the P30.00 terminal fee that outgoing passengers must pay upon arriving at the terminal in addition to the cost of their bus tickets. The fee is subject to a three-percent increase starting from the third year. Councilor Vladimir Cayabas acknowledged the importance of improving passenger experience but pointed out that the added costs would burden commuters. As the city council reviews the proposed integrated terminal project, the city will explore solutions to address these concerns raised to ensure minimal impact on the public during its implementation. Once approved by the city council, the proposed project will proceed to the comparative challenge phase where other proponents are allowed to challenge the original proponent’s proposal. -Jordan G. Habbiling