MPT decongesting Baguio through P2.5-B mobility solutions

MPT Mobility Corp., the digital ventures arm of Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. or MPTC, has secured the original proponent status or OPS from the local government of Baguio for its P2.5-billion proposal to launch the Smart Urban Mobility Solutions in the country's Summer Capital.

In an interview on Monday, MPT Mobility VP for Smart Mobility Solutions Mark Richmund de Leon said the company has started negotiating with Baguio government officials after receiving the OPS in August.

"It was given an OPS last August and we're now undergoing negotiations. After we've come up with the terms for the negotiations, then we'll proceed with the Swiss Challenge.

The current modality is a concession agreement. But of course, everything will be undergoing negotiations, and what's the best mobility on their side," De Leon told reporters.

MPT Mobility's proposal is a 15-year plan to deploy smart mobility solutions in Baguio in partnership with Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd.

The parties have come up with an integrated and interconnected system tailor-fit to the needs of the city, which may include advanced traffic management solutions, area-based monitoring and enforcement capabilities and a smart command center.

It may also integrate smart parking systems, efficient public transportation and fleet management solutions, peak-hour congestion pricing solutions and roadside assistance support.

Separately, MPT Mobility Donald Saurombe pointed out that more than implementing digital solutions, fleet management for public transportation, and adaptive traffic management processes and equipment, the company's proposal offers a vital innovation — congestion pricing.

"Instead of number coding, you just have to pay a congestion fee if you choose to drive. It's supposed to shift the behavior of the motorist to be able to think about when they want to drive during congested times or choose a less congested time to make a trip," Saurombe explained.

According to a study conducted by the Asian Development Bank, congestion charging is a common practice in cities around the world. These cities include Singapore, London, and Stockholm.

MPT Mobility stated that the implementation of the toll fee is primarily aimed at reducing congestion in Baguio by "between 10 percent and 15 percent."

The proceeds of the toll fee will be shared between the local government and the company.