Common Station to Start Partial Operations in Early 2028, According to DOTr
If all goes to plan, that is.
by Zoe Andin
Published on Aug 3, 2026
(SPOT.ph) There may finally be light at the end of the train tunnel for the Unified Grand Central Station, or Common Station, along EDSA.
In a recent interview with 105.9 True FM, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Giovanni Lopez said that the agency is chasing an early 2028 target for interim operations to give commuters access to the concourse, platform, and MRT-3 connection.
“Ang gagawin po namin ngayon is to ensure na 'pag natapos na po 'yung North Avenue, MRT-7, at functional na po 'yan, magagamit ng ating mga commuters 'yung concourse at platform,” Lopez said.
The DOTr has also asked nearby TriNoma to provide an above-ground passage to the MRT-3 North Avenue Station while construction around the Common Station remains underway.
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Recent photos shared by the DOTr show that construction is progressing, with flooring already installed on parts of the platform. However, Lopez said full operations are set for much later in 2030.
The opening of the Unified Grand Central Station will depend in part on the progress of MRT-7, another long-delayed railway project. Officials are targeting the second quarter of 2027 for the start of its initial operations.
Once completed, the Unified Grand Central Station will connect MRT-3, LRT-1, and eventually MRT-7 and the Metro Manila Subway.
Also read: New Trinoma Wing to Connect to the Unified Grand Central Statio
What's taking so long?
The path to opening the Unified Grand Central Station has been long and fraught, spanning over a decade at this point.
Plans for a common station were in the works since 2010, but the structures as we know and see today along North EDSA were only solidified in 2017. The groundbreaking was held on September 29 with an initial target operational start of 2021. However, the COVID-19 pandemic, payment delays, and administrative setbacks have repeatedly pushed the timeline back.
In March 2025, under former DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon, the DOTr terminated its contracts with BF Corporation and Foresight Development and Surveying Company, pointing to excessive delays. After dropping its original contractors, the DOTr tapped Light Rail Manila Corporation, the operator of LRT-1, to finish the remaining work. Lopez shared in the same interview that the DOTr has received necessary green lights from the Economic and Development Council, allowing work to finally move forward.
What to expect at the Unified Grand Central Station or the Common Station
Once operational, the Common Station will hopefully alleviate one of the worst parts of commuting: transfers. At present, commuters switching between LRT-1 and MRT-3 have to leave the stations to make the switch—an especially unpleasant trip during rush hour, heavy rain, or peak summer heat.
The Common Station is designed to bring these transfers under one roof. Its proposed intermodal facilities will also connect passengers to buses, jeepneys, and taxis.
The station is divided into three sections. Area A, or the EDSA Wing, will connect LRT-1 and MRT-3. Area B will link the four train lines and nearby malls. Meanwhile, Area C will serve passengers using the MRT-7 and the Metro Manila Subway.
The Common Station is expected to serve up to 1.5 million passengers daily once operational.
Also read: What Happens to the Unified Grand Central Station in EDSA?
Zoe thinks a lot but forgets just as much. Writing helps her deal with both problems. When she isn't writing, she spends time baking sweets, wandering around, or staring up at the moon.