Expressways and flyovers? That’s cute. Anyone familiar with Metro Manila’s traffic mess will tell you that an improved public transportation system is likely the key to solving the problem—which is why we’re paying very close attention to the Metro Manila Subway project.
Considered by some to be the crown jewel of the government’s ongoing infrastructure push, the Metro Manila Subway was first conceptualized following an urban transport study in the early 1970s. Now, half a century later, the vision of the country’s first-ever underground railway system is finally taking shape. Here’s a rundown of what you need to know:
How much will the Metro Manila Subway cover?
Once completed, the Metro Manila Subway should span a total of 33.1km from Valenzuela City to Bicutan, Parañaque City.
Where will the Metro Manila Subway stations be located?
As of October 2022, a total of 17 Metro Manila Subway Stations have been confirmed:
- East Valenzuela Station
- Quirino Highway Station
- Tending Sora Station
- North Avenue (Grand Common Station)
- Quezon Avenue Station
- East Avenue Station
- Anonas Station
- Camp Aguinaldo Station
- Ortigas Station
- Shaw Station
- Kalayaan Avenue Station
- Bonifacio Global City Station
- Lawton Station
- Senate-Dep Ed. Station
- NAIA Terminal 3 Station
- Food Terminal Incorporated (FTI) Station
- Bicutan Station
It’s important to note here, however, that the number of stations included in the project has been subject to change over the years.
What other rail lines will the Metro Manila Subway connect to?
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) says this project will connect to both current and future Metro Manila rail lines.
The Metro Manila Subway will be connected to the LRT-1, MRT-3, and MRT-7 rail lines via North Avenue’s upcoming Grand Common Station. The LRT-2, meanwhile, will be connected to the project through the Anonas Station. North-South Commuter Railway lines, meanwhile, will be connected to the Metro Manila Subway’s Senate-Dep Ed. and FTI stations in Taguig and Parañaque, respectively.
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How many trains will the Metro Manila Subway have?
The DOTr says that the Metro Manila Subway will use a fleet of 80 eight-car train sets sourced from Japan. Each set is supposedly able to carry as many as 2,242 passengers.
Also worth noting is that a mock-up train set is already present in the country, while the first real train set is already being manufactured in Japan.
What is the daily capacity of the Metro Manila Subway?
In total, the Metro Manila Subway is expected to serve up to 519,000 passengers per day.
How efficient is the Metro Manila Subway?
Once finished, the Metro Manila Subway will run at an operational speed of 80kph. Its maximum speed, however, is set at 120kph. The DOTr also expects wait times at Metro Manila Subway stations to be as little as five minutes. The expected travel time from Valenzuela City to Bicutan is estimated at 45 minutes.
How much did the Metro Manila Subway cost?
The Metro Manila Subway is being funded by a P488.47 billion loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
When can we use the Metro Manila Subway?
Originally, partial operations of the Metro Manila Subway was scheduled to begin in 2021. Obviously, the government was unable to meet this target. As of October 2022, partial operations are expected to start in 2025, with the project expected finished in 2028.
And in case you missed it, a busy portion of Meralco Avenue will remain closed to traffic for the next six years. This is to make way for the construction of Metro Manila Subways situated in the area. Expect more closures like this to follow as the government begins to ramp up its Metro Manila Subway construction works.
