The Department of Transportation (DOTr) expects to partially open the Metro Rail Transit Line 7 (MRT-7) by the second quarter of 2027, with the first 12 stations scheduled to begin operations.
“We are advancing MRT-7, a 22-kilometer line connecting North Avenue in Quezon City to Bulacan. Travel time will be cut from up to three hours to just 35 minutes,” Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said. “We expect to commence operations for its first 12 stations by the second quarter of next year.”
SMC MRT-7 Corp, a wholly owned subsidiary of San Miguel Corp (SMC.PS) that holds the concession to build, operate, and maintain the line, previously signed an operations and maintenance services agreement with Korea Railroad Corp (KORAIL) for the project.
Under the agreement, KORAIL will provide technical advisory services to set up the rail line’s core operational systems, safety protocols, and maintenance programs.
The advisory engagement begins in July 2025, with the initial six to 12 months directed at pre-operational requirements and system stabilization before moving into long-term technical support.
The entire 22-kilometer transit system will feature 14 stations linking North Avenue in Quezon City to San Jose del Monte in Bulacan via Commonwealth Avenue.
The project also encompasses an intermodal transportation hub for public vehicles and a 19-kilometer highway connecting San Jose del Monte to Bocaue, Bulacan.
The railway system is projected to carry 300,000 passengers during its first year of operation. Once fully operational, the transit line will reduce travel time between Quezon City and San Jose del Monte to 35 minutes.
