If you&rsquo;re looking forward to a smooth ride on the Metro Rail Transit Line 7 (MRT-7,) patience will be key. While 12 out of the 14 planned stations are expected to open by the end of 2025, the entire line won't be fully operational until 2027 or 2028 due to right-of-way issues.
The delay centers around San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, where the final two stations are supposed to be built. Local disputes over land use have complicated the construction. According to Secretary Jaime Bautista of the Department of Transportation (DOTr,) there are ongoing discussions with the local government to find a suitable location for the terminus station that won&rsquo;t exacerbate traffic congestion.
<img src="https://api.easyrock.com.ph/v1/media/display?bucket=static.easyrock.com.ph&amp;key=attachments/2024/5/zduFeapYUvmJkfCkll47s.jpeg" alt="" width="700" height="466" />
Photo: San Miguel Corporation
By late 2025, travelers can expect the MRT-7 to run from North Avenue in Quezon City to Lagro (Sacred Heart Station.) This segment, including the highly anticipated &lsquo;Unified Grand Central Station,&rsquo; promises to ease daily commutes for many. Bautista emphasized the importance of resolving the remaining issues in San Jose del Monte but noted that immediate priorities lie in ensuring the Quezon City leg is ready.
While the partial operations will cover 12 stations initially, the 13th station, Tala, is projected to be up and running a year later. The full completion of the line, including the 14th station, will follow in 2027 or 2028.
<img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://api.easyrock.com.ph/v1/media/display?bucket=static.easyrock.com.ph&amp;key=attachments/2024/5/LUHkE3D2lZk7Da1GHvci9.webp" alt="" width="700" height="525" /> Photo: Philippine News Agency
Despite the setbacks, the long-term outlook for the MRT-7 is positive. Initially set for completion in 2021, this project has made significant progress, especially with San Miguel Corporation's construction efforts starting in 2022. As the rail line inches closer to its completion, it promises to transform the daily commute for many, offering a faster and more efficient travel option across the city.
The rail line covers nearly 23 kilometers, running from North EDSA to Bulacan mainly along Commonwealth Avenue. Below are the stations along its route:
<ul>
<li>North EDSA (Unified Grand Central Station or Common Station)</li>
<li>Quezon Memorial Circle</li>
<li>University Avenue</li>
<li>Tandang Sora</li>
<li>Don Antonio</li>
<li>Batasan</li>
<li>Manggahan</li>
<li>Do&ntilde;a Carmen</li>
<li>Regalado Avenue</li>
<li>Mindanao Avenue</li>
<li>Quirino Avenue</li>
<li>Sacred Heart</li>
<li>Tala</li>
<li>San Jose del Monte</li>
</ul>