Partial operability of Metro Manila Subway goal by last quarter of 2021 stays: Tugade

July 22, 2020

The Department of Transportation  ( DOTr) said it is set on starting partial operations of the Metro Manila Subway Project by the last quarter of 2021 despite delays in construction due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID) 19 pandemic.

In a virtual briefing with the House Committee on Economic Affairs, Transport Secretary Arthur Tugade said construction for the Metro Manila Subway have been delayed for three months.

“But we are catching up... We can do it. We will exert effort. For the subway, our schedule is the same. I would like to see partial operability by last quarter of next year,” he added.

In December 2019, the DOTr  began clearing works and fencing activities in parts of Valenzuela City and Quezon City, representing the partial operability section of the P355-billion project.

The section includes first stations in Valenzuela City and Quezon City, the line’s depot in Valenzuela City and buildings for the Philippine Railway Institute.

The subway is expected to serve 370,000 passengers daily in its first year of full operations.

The Metro Manila Subway Project will have 15 stations, including a terminal station at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3., once it is fully in place.

The subway system is financed via official development assistance from Japan, with an interest of 0.10 percent per annum, payable in 40 years, with a grace period of 12 years.

The Japan International Cooperation Agency signed a loan agreement with the Philippine government for a loan of up to 104.53 billion yen for the first phase of the project. DMS