LEGAZPI CITY -– A modern P120-million integrated bus terminal will soon rise in a 3.5-hectare lot at the former Legazpi City Satellite Market in Barangay Bitano, this city.

        Architect Rey Acosta, chief of planning and design in the City Engineer’s Office, said in an interview that the construction will be undertaken by the winning bidder. But the City Government will not spend a single cent as the construction is under the build-operate-and-transfer (BOT) scheme.

        Under the BOT contract, the contractor will build and operate the integrated bus terminal for 25 years. After the expiration of the BOT contract, the City Government will takeover and operate the facility.

        According to Acosta, two bidders – one from Tabaco City and the other from Sorsogon – participated in the Jan. 10, 2008 bidding. He said the winning bidder will be announced soon.

        Under the contract, the contractor will be allowed to build a commercial building to accommodate restaurants, stores and entertainment centers. But these business establishments have to pay rental to the developer, said Acosta.

        As designed by Acosta and company, the new bus terminal will have separate areas for buses, passenger jeepneys and Filcab vans. He stressed that under an existing city ordinance, all buses and Filcab vans shall have a common terminal provided by the city.

        The construction period will be for one year starting either in February or March this year, he said.

        Meanwhile, passengers are advised that the present bus terminal has been temporarily transferred to Tahao Road also in Bitano.