MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced that the administration will roll out in 2027 two major public transport system -- the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) and the new 12 stations of the Metro Rail Transit-7.
In his State of the Nation Address on Monday, the President said the administration is focused on modernizing the country's transportation network through major investments in railways, bus rapid transit systems, airports, seaports, and integrated transport terminals.
The NSCR line is a 147-kilometer urban rail project in Luzon connecting Clark, Pampanga and Calamba, Laguna. It features 35 to 36 stations to serve 800,000 daily passengers, and will cut travel time across the region from four hours to three.
The President also announced that the MRT-7 line is expected to begin operations between Valenzuela and Malolos in 2027.
Initially running from North Avenue to Sacred Heart in Quezon City, the MRT-7 line is planned to eventually reach San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, benefiting nearly one million passengers daily.
Marcos said the Department of Transportation will try hard to complete the railway line extending to Clark before the end of his term in 2028.
"Bubuksan na rin ang labindalawang istasyon ng MRT-7 matapos ang halos tatlong dekada (The12 stations of the MRT-7 will also be opened next year, after almost three decades),” the President said.
Marcos credited the recently enacted Accelerated and Reformed Right of Way Act for helping resolve right-of-way issues more quickly, removing one of the biggest obstacles to the implementation of mass transit projects.
The Chief Executive also noted that the first phase of the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) is already operational, while the Ilocos Norte BRT is scheduled to be inaugurated next year.
The President said that with the increase in fuel prices, many of our fellow Filipinos turned to public transportation.
"This is why the administration is focusing on [the improvement of] our trains, busways, transport hubs and integrated terminals, and on expanding airports and seaports across the country," Marcos said in Filipino and English.
