To say that Ayala Land’s (ALI) newest township, ARCA South, will be the future gateway of travellers entering Metro Manila would be a tad of an understatement.
The South Integrated Transport System (ITS), a multi-modal terminal to be built in the center of a five-hectare lot within the FTI compound in Taguig, will sit beside ARCA South. And as cranes, bulldozers and construction workers start criss-crossing across the sprawling site, infrastructure planners are envisioning a hub for transfers of some 4,000 buses and 160,000 passengers expected to pass through the terminal daily.
The Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) and ARCA South Integrated Terminal Inc., recently signed the 35-year concession agreement to build and operate the South ITS. The project is expected to be completed by 2018.
“ARCA South itself will be a conducive environment for people to live, work, or visit, with all its conveniences and strategic access and links,” said Stephen Comia, ALI project development manager. “The estate management systems will help ensure a lifestyle of efficiencies similar to other premier lifestyle and business destinations.”
The six-story high terminal will have a centralized ticketing facility, as well as passenger waiting areas, trip information displays, retail establishments and a car park.
For in-city commutes, motorists can “park and ride”, that is, park their private cars within the ITS and travel in-city using PUVs. The objective of the project is to decongest EDSA, and ease traffic within the city.
Comia said the public will benefit from convenient amenities offered by the adjacent 74-hectare ARCA South estate.
The district will feature an Ayala Malls lifestyle complex, a six-tower ARCA South corporate center, and a 265-room Seda Hotel and a Qualimed hospital.
Meanwhile, a smattering of residential developments from Ayala Land Premier, Alveo Land and Avida Land are set to be built within the district. All will be accessible to major locations since these will be is minutes away from the Makati CBD, Bonifacio Global City and the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
“With the Skyway/C5-C6 connector road plans underway, and a dedicated ramp that will link motorists and PUVs to the ITS terminal and ARCA South, the development is a budding landmark of convenience and efficiency,” Comia said.
