LOOK: Here's What Our Train Lines Might Be Like by 2030
We've got hope we'll see this within our lifetime.
(SPOT.ph) With all the news about train line extensions, resurrections, and completely new ones, it might be difficult to keep up with what our upcoming tracks look like. A map from the Department of Transportation showing the planned operating lines by 2030 might help you out. It includes the Metro Manila Subway, MRT lines 4 and 7, the North South Commuter Railway and more.
In this image posted by the Polytechnic University of the Philippines to their Facebook page, you can see what our train lines are expected to look like by 2030. It was posted after a visit in August by the University President Manuel Muhi together with DOTr Usec. Cesar Chavez and Regent Engr. Ronald Laurel to discuss the school's railway engineering internship program.
Also read: Manila to Legazpi City in 4.5 Hours? The PNR Bicol Could Make It Reality
Greater Capital Region Railway System train line map by 2030, from DOTr
We know, we're pretty stunned by all the pretty colors (and lots of stations) too. As of writing, the three main lines used in the Metro are the MRT-3 (yellow), LRT-1 (green), and LRT-2 (violet), making for a grand total of three lines serving the urban population and those coming in and out of Mega Manila. We can't not mention the limited operations of the PNR, of course, as they work on revitalizing the North South Commuter Railway (NSCR).
The Metro Manila Subway
The massive subway project will span all the way from East Valenzuela to Bicutan, stretching from north to south with around 15 stations, including a spur line to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3.
As of July, the DOTr said that the subway is targeted to be fully operational by 2029. The train route is meant to cut the 1.5 hour travel time between NAIA and Valenzuela to just 41 minutes and is expected to serve around 519,000 riders daily.
Also read: Heads Up, Commuters: You Can Now Use Maya to Buy QR Tickets for LRT-1
MRT 4 and 7
The MRT Line 4 will stretch from EDSA's midpoint in Ortigas to the east in Taytay, Rizal. There are 10 planned stations cutting travel time between the two terminals from 1.5 hours to just 27 minutes. It will serve around 400,000 passengers daily. The DOTr signed a contract with Ricardo Rail Australia, the eventual shadow operator, on March 30 with a target for full operations by 2028.
Meanwhile, the MRT Line 7 will bring folks up to San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan from the Unified Grand Central Station with 14 stations. It is expected to be complete by June 2025, according to the transport department.
NSCR
Another big-ticket project is the NSCR, which aims to revitalize and add new stops to the old La Union to Bicol train line. According to the map, the NSCR train line will connect Clark to Calamba by 2030, with a South Long Haul line going from Sucat all the way to Daraga, Albay. There will also be a Clark Airport Express that connects Alabang through Buendia to the airport terminal, and a Blumentritt Shuttle that connects to the historic Tutuban station.