The three projects are the Manila Bay-Pasig River-Laguna Lake Ferry Project, the North Long Haul (NCR-Ilocos Norte and Cagayan) Inter-Regional Railway Project, and the NCR EDSA Busway Project. Approval has also been given for transaction advisory support for the first two schemes.
Under the plans, the ferry project will see the private partner design, build, finance, operate and maintain (DBFOM) a high-capacity, high-frequency, and low-carbon ferry system that will strategically link Manila Bay and Laguna Lake through the Pasig River. It will also involve the procurement of low-carbon ferries.
Meanwhile, the railway scheme will involve the DBFOM of an 853km inter-regional railway system, integrating with other railway projects and providing improved travel from NCR to Region I (Ilocos Region), Region II (Cagayan Valley), and Region III (Central Luzon).
The busway project includes the DBFOM of a high-capacity busway that will reduce travel time and road congestion within Metro Manila, as well as increasing reliability and quality of transportation services.
Following the PDMF approval, the PPP Centre will now work with the Department of Transportation to procure consultants for the scheme.