MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) gave an updates on the development of the country’s first intermodal terminal which guarantees improved commuting experience.

The project is seen to provide seamless interconnectivity of the different modes of transportation from the neighboring provinces south of Metro Manila.

The P3-billion terminal will be completed in April 2018.

The Southwest Integrated Terminal Exchange (SWITX) is among the five big-ticket infrastructure projects that the DOTr will inaugurate next year.

“The SWITX is envisioned to be a modern transportation hub that will significantly improve the commuting and terminal experience of passengers,” the DOTr said.

It added that the intermodal terminal will provide easy access to different modes of public transportation such as rail networks, city buses, UV Express and jeepneys to bring commuters to their destination.

“The terminal will be the first among several terminals that will be built around the peripheries of Metro Manila,” the DOTr said.

The strategic location will maximize road usage and reduce the number of PUVs plying busy road networks such as EDSA, particularly Baclaran and Taft areas.

The SWITX was designed to resemble an airport terminal with multi-level platforms.

“It will have passenger terminal buildings, embarkation and disembarkation bays, staging bays, ticketing and baggage handling facilities, and park-ride facilities,” the DOTr said.

One of the key features of the terminal is the On-line Bus Ticketing System (OBTS), an intuitive online and on-site booking and ticketing system.

“Departure schedules will also be displayed on large screens. Buses will likewise be equipped with Ultra-High Frequency (UHF) tag for efficient managing, tracking, and monitoring inside the terminal premises,” the DOTr said.

By Catherine Talavera