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Thursday, Mar 19, 2026
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Philippine MRT-7 Project Aims for Completion by 2027 Amid Ongoing Delays
Department of Transportation sets new operational timeline for delayed Metro Rail Transit Line 7 and common station.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) in the Philippines has announced a revised timeline for the completion of the long-anticipated Metro Rail Transit Line 7 (MRT-7), now projected to become operational by 2027. This update was provided by DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon during a media briefing following his confirmation by the Commission on Appointments.
Dizon expressed confidence that the MRT-7 and the associated common station will be finished before the conclusion of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s term in 2028. He emphasized that the connectivity enhancements provided by these projects will allow for a seamless transfer between the existing light rail lines, specifically LRT-1 and MRT-3, as well as the new MRT-7 line.
Currently, commuters face a logistical challenge when traveling between LRT-1’s Fernando Poe Jr. station and MRT-3’s North Avenue station, as the two lines run parallel but lack direct connectivity.
Passengers must resort to alternative forms of transportation, typically buses, to make the transfer.
The planned common station is intended to resolve this issue, significantly reducing travel times.
Dizon noted that a commute that currently spans two hours could potentially be shortened to thirty minutes with the new line's integration.
The MRT-7 project has a history of significant delays since its inception.
Originally conceived during the presidency of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, the project did not commence construction until the term of former president Benigno 'Noynoy' Aquino.
Under the administration of former president Rodrigo Duterte, the timeline was set for partial operations to begin in 2022; however, this milestone was missed, with delays continuing into the current administration.
Initially, the Marcos administration outlined plans for partial operations by the end of 2025, but adjustments in design led to a further extension of the project's timeline to 2028. In light of these ongoing challenges, Dizon's recent assurance signals a more aggressive target for completion in 2027, reflecting a commitment to enhancing urban mobility in the capital region.
Dizon expressed confidence that the MRT-7 and the associated common station will be finished before the conclusion of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s term in 2028. He emphasized that the connectivity enhancements provided by these projects will allow for a seamless transfer between the existing light rail lines, specifically LRT-1 and MRT-3, as well as the new MRT-7 line.
Currently, commuters face a logistical challenge when traveling between LRT-1’s Fernando Poe Jr. station and MRT-3’s North Avenue station, as the two lines run parallel but lack direct connectivity.
Passengers must resort to alternative forms of transportation, typically buses, to make the transfer.
The planned common station is intended to resolve this issue, significantly reducing travel times.
Dizon noted that a commute that currently spans two hours could potentially be shortened to thirty minutes with the new line's integration.
The MRT-7 project has a history of significant delays since its inception.
Originally conceived during the presidency of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, the project did not commence construction until the term of former president Benigno 'Noynoy' Aquino.
Under the administration of former president Rodrigo Duterte, the timeline was set for partial operations to begin in 2022; however, this milestone was missed, with delays continuing into the current administration.
Initially, the Marcos administration outlined plans for partial operations by the end of 2025, but adjustments in design led to a further extension of the project's timeline to 2028. In light of these ongoing challenges, Dizon's recent assurance signals a more aggressive target for completion in 2027, reflecting a commitment to enhancing urban mobility in the capital region.
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