The Metro Rail Transit Line 7 (MRT-7), a long-awaited infrastructure project, is rapidly approaching its operational phase, promising to revolutionize daily commutes for hundreds of thousands of Filipinos.

This 22-kilometer elevated railway, spearheaded by San Miguel Corporation (SMC) and the Department of Transportation (DOTr), will connect the bustling North Avenue in Quezon City to the burgeoning province of Bulacan, significantly cutting down travel times and easing the notorious traffic in the northern part of Metro Manila.

What is the MRT-7 Project?

The MRT-7 is a public-private partnership (PPP) project designed to provide a direct and efficient rail link between Quezon City and San Jose del Monte, Bulacan.

Type: Primarily elevated rapid transit line.
Purpose: To offer a faster, safer, and more reliable transportation alternative for commuters traveling between Metro Manila and Bulacan, reducing road congestion and improving accessibility.
Project Proponent: San Miguel Corporation (SMC) under a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) scheme.
Target Ridership: Expected to serve approximately 300,000 to 600,000 passengers daily in its initial years of operation, with capacity to expand further.

Key Features and Route of MRT-7

The MRT-7 line is a substantial undertaking with numerous benefits for its future riders:

Length: Approximately 22.8 kilometers.
Stations: Features 14 stations, providing widespread coverage.
Strategic Alignment:

Starts at the Unified Grand Central Station (Common Station) at North Avenue, Quezon City, providing seamless transfers to LRT-1, MRT-3, and eventually MRT-4.
Extends along Commonwealth Avenue, connecting key areas in Quezon City before reaching San Jose del Monte, Bulacan.
The line is notable for being the first in the Philippines to use a third-rail electrification system, ensuring continuous power supply.

Reduced Travel Time: Once fully operational, the end-to-end journey from North Avenue to San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, is projected to take approximately 30-35 minutes, a stark contrast to the current hours spent in traffic.
Modern Rolling Stock: The trains are manufactured by Hyundai Rotem of South Korea, ensuring high standards of safety and comfort. An Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Services Agreement has been signed with Korea Railroad Corporation (KORAIL) to ensure world-class management and technical expertise.

Proposed Stations

The MRT-7 project will have 14 stations. Here they are, typically listed from its southern terminus in Quezon City to its northern terminus in Bulacan:

Batasan Station

Quezon North Avenue Joint Station (Common Station): This will be a crucial interchange station, connecting MRT-7 with LRT-1 and MRT-3.
Quezon Memorial Circle
University Avenue
Tandang Sora
Don Antonio
Batasan
Manggahan
Doña Carmen
Regalado
Mindanao Avenue
Quirino
Sacred Heart
Tala
San Jose del Monte

Current Status and Project Timeline

The MRT-7 project has faced various challenges, including right-of-way (ROW) issues and design adjustments, leading to delays. However, significant progress has been made recently.

Overall Progress: As of June 2025, the project is reported to be over 83% complete.

Construction Progress: Civil works are substantially complete in many sections, with tracks laid and train sets already undergoing testing at the depot in Greater Lagro, Quezon City.

Partial Operations Target: The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is aiming for partial operations of the first 12 stations (from North Avenue to Sacred Heart in Quezon City) by the first half of 2027. This includes the crucial connection to the Common Station.

Full Operations Target: While earlier targets aimed for full operations by 2026, the latest updates from the DOTr indicate that the entire 14-station line, including the San Jose del Monte segment in Bulacan, is targeted for full completion and operation by 2027, before the end of President Marcos Jr.'s term in 2028.

Common Station Progress: The Unified Grand Central Station, which will serve as a vital interchange for MRT-7, LRT-1, and MRT-3, has also seen accelerated construction after previous delays. Its completion is critical for seamless connectivity.

Impact and Significance of MRT-7

The MRT-7 is more than just a railway; it's a strategic investment with far-reaching implications for urban development and quality of life:

Massive Traffic Decongestion: Directly addresses the severe traffic problems along Commonwealth Avenue and other major thoroughfares leading to Bulacan.
Enhanced Connectivity: Provides a crucial link between Metro Manila's central business districts and the rapidly developing residential and commercial areas in Bulacan.
Economic Growth Catalyst: Stimulates economic activity, encourages property development, and creates job opportunities along its alignment.
Improved Commuter Welfare: Offers a convenient, comfortable, and significantly faster commuting option, freeing up valuable time for daily commuters.
Modernizing Public Transport: Introduces advanced rail technology and operational standards, contributing to the modernization of the Philippines' public transportation system.

Other Railway Systems in the Philippines

Philippine Railway (Operating and Future Lines)

ATTRACTIONS TO SEE IN MANILA

As the MRT-7 inches closer to its much-anticipated opening, it symbolizes a major step forward in the Philippines' push for modern and efficient infrastructure. Commuters in Quezon City and Bulacan can look forward to a future with less traffic, faster travel, and improved connectivity across the metropolis.

Other Transportation Info in the Philippines

MRT-7: Guide to Metro Rail Transit Line 7 (Stations and Map Route)