Mactan Airport Eyes Bus Shuttle Service Next Year, Exec Says

(PNA) — The Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) will change its transport service system from private cars to bus shuttle by next year, an official said.

MCIA General Manager Nigel Paul Villarete said they are studying the options for the “bus service” institutional arrangements together with the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC).

“Our partner and terminal operator, GMR-Megawide Cebu Airport Corp. (GMCAC) is likewise studying the off-terminal check-in parallel. Probably in 2015, we can already offer these services,” Villarete said.

Earlier, GMCAC President Louie Ferrer said his company, which has a contract with the Philippine Government to manage, operate and convert the airport into a world class facility, will take full control of the terminal in October.

The DOTC and MCIA Authority signed a contract with GMCAC last April after the consortium won the bidding in the P17.5-billion public-private partnership (PPP) project.

The company posted the highest bid of P14.4 billion, which has been paid to the government.

In the contract, GMCAC will transform the airport into a world class facility, including the renovation of an existing terminal that will be completed by 2016 and the construction of a new terminal building that will be operational by 2017.

GMR Deputy chief Executive Officer Andrew Harrison said GMCAC will start the renovation of the existing terminal once they take full control of the airport.

Harrison said MCIA has a current capacity of 4.5 million passengers, and that the new terminal that they are going to build will have a capacity of eight million.

Harrison said they are not only concerned about the convenience and safety of passengers inside the airport but also about efficient transport access from and to the airport. (PNA) LAP/EB

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