A P1.87-billion Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) System, designed to seamlessly connect Cavite to Metro Manila, has moved closer to realization after Cavite Rapid Transport, Inc. — the joint venture (JV) between Megawide Construction Corp. and Maplecrest Group, Inc. (MGI) — formalized the project with the Provincial Government of Cavite (PGC).

In a report filed with the stock exchange on Friday, Megawide, the infrastructure and engineering conglomerate led by Edgar Saavedra, announced that the agreement was signed on Monday, 27 January.

“We are excited to collaborate with MGI and the provincial government of Cavite on this transformative project,” said Megawide chairman and CEO Saavedra.

“The initial phase of the project will serve close to 10,000 daily passengers, with a target to increase ridership five-fold within three years, depending on Cavite’s progress. This is part of our commitment to providing world-class infrastructure for Filipinos,” he added.

The Cavite Bus Rapid Transit (CBRT) System, structured under a 30-year Build-Operate-Transfer JV agreement, will establish an efficient and organized bus transport system along a 29-kilometer route.

Initially designed to accommodate 10,000 daily passengers, the system is planned to handle up to 80,000 passengers. The total estimated project cost is P1.87 billion, spread throughout the JV.

The development will be completed in two phases. Phase 1 includes three terminals and 27 stations, with a BRT and Point-to-Point (P2P) bus system serving cities such as Kawit, Imus, General Trias, and Tanza.

Phase 2 will add one terminal and 20 stations, linking Trece Martires through the New Cavite Provincial Capitol, and connecting to the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) and other central business districts through the P2P network.

Construction of Phase 1 is slated to begin in the first quarter of this year, with operations expected to commence by the third quarter. The full project is targeted for completion by 2028.

The BRT system will run on dedicated lanes, offering faster travel times and reduced congestion. Strategically located stations will ensure ease of access for passengers, with stops positioned near key landmarks.

A significant portion of the CBRT route will pass through the spine road of Lancaster New City, a limited-access corridor developed by MGI’s subsidiary, Profriends, which runs through Imus, General Trias, and Tanza.

“The integration of the CBRT into Lancaster New City’s spine will help enhance mobility and connectivity for the communities we serve, which is part of our advocacy of uplifting the life of the common man,” said MGI chairman Guillermo Choa.