MRT 7 on course to start operations in a year’s time | Inquirer Business

MRT 7 on course to start operations in a year’s time

/ 05:03 AM December 18, 2021

San Miguel Corp. nets P12.8B in Q1 2019

The San Miguel Corp. (SMC)-backed Metro Rail Transit Line 7 (MRT 7) from Metro Manila to Bulacan has reached an overall progress rate of 62 percent and is on track to begin passenger operations by the end of 2022.

Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade provided updates as project proponent SMC on Thursday unveiled the first 18 out of 108 train cars, manufactured by South Korea’s Hyundai Rotem, to the government entourage led by President Duterte.

Article continues after this advertisement

Once completed, the 22-kilometer railway line is expected to reduce travel time from North Avenue, Quezon City, to San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, to just 35 minutes from the current two to three hours.

FEATURED STORIES

Ahead of passenger operations in December, the MRT 7 will also begin tests runs in April next year, according to the Department of Transportation.

The MRT 7 project will have 14 stations: Quezon North Avenue Joint Station, Quezon Memorial Circle, University Avenue, Tandang Sora, Don Antonio, Batasan, Manggahan, Doña Carmen, Regalado, Mindanao Avenue, Quirino, Sacred Heart, Tala and San Jose del Monte.

Article continues after this advertisement

SMC said the line would serve around 300,000 passengers per day during its first year and an estimated 850,000 passengers daily on its 12th year.

Article continues after this advertisement

“MRT 7 is a vital cog in our long-term goal to develop an integrated and interconnected transportation system where people from all income levels can get around and beyond the metropolis, quickly and efficiently,” SMC president Ramon Ang said.

Article continues after this advertisement

“More than an affordable, reliable and efficient means to move people, MRT 7 signifies a turning point, in our resolve to promote equity and inclusivity across our cities. It’s a vehicle for opportunities, equity and better quality of life for Filipinos,” he added.

Groundbreaking

The MRT 7 project agreement was signed in 2008 with Universal LRT Corp., which was then acquired by SMC.

Article continues after this advertisement

The project broke ground during the latter part of the Aquino administration while construction activities commenced months later after the Duterte government assumed power in 2016.

Once completed, MRT 7 passengers will also be connected to the MRT 3 and Light Rail Transit Line via the government’s common station project in Quezon City.

The MRT 7 is among SMC’s largest infrastructure investments after the P740-billion New Manila International Airport and urban center in Bulakan, Bulacan.

“The new airport and airport city will be part of the massive infrastructure network, making it easily accessible from Metro Manila via rail and expressway,” Ang said.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

SMC is also one of the country’s largest expressway operators with a footprint spanning the Metro Manila Skyway, South Luzon Expressway, Ninoy Aquino International Airport Expressway, Star Tollway and Tarlac Pangasinan La Union Expressway.

“Without the continued support of our partners in government and the cooperation of motorists and the public, we wouldn’t be where we are today,” Ang said.

TAGS:

No tags found for this post.
Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

© Copyright 1997-2024 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.