The Metro Iloilo-Guimaras Economic Development Council (MIGEDC) has signed a memorandum of agreement with Sweco International AB to begin a feasibility study for the planned Metro Iloilo Integrated Public Transport System.

Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas, who chairs MIGEDC, represented the council, while urban and regional planner Alexander Cochrane signed on behalf of Sweco.

The study aims to gather comprehensive data to design a modern public transport system linking Metro Iloilo towns — Pavia, Sta. Barbara, Cabatuan, Leganes, Oton, San Miguel, and Iloilo City — as well as the province of Guimaras.

The consultancy will map out a phased implementation of an integrated public transport network, identify how to merge existing urban bus routes with future modern public transport lines, and assess the feasibility of bus rapid transit corridors using existing transport assets. It will also consider other transport modes and recommend new infrastructure investments.

The project has secured 6 million Swedish Krona, or roughly P33 million, in funding support from Swedfund International, Sweden’s development finance institution.

“This is important not only for Iloilo City but also for the entire Metro Iloilo,” Treñas said, adding that the project is expected to help ease traffic congestion by streamlining all public utility systems in the metropolitan area.

The mayor said one of her requests to the consultants is to plan for additional modernized buses but on varied routes to avoid clogging major roads.

“We will welcome modernized jeepneys and buses from all towns, but we will assign them specific routes to prevent congestion on major arteries,” she

Treñas called the project “good news” for the city and expressed readiness to review and revisit the city’s Enhanced Local Public Transport Route Plan (ELPTRP) in light of the study’s findings.

The feasibility study is targeted for completion in April 2026. Afterward, the recommendations will be reviewed by the Iloilo City Government and the local government units within Metro Iloilo.IMT