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History that the project was still known as the Line 4 in the 1990s
Line 282: Line 282:
==History==
==History==
===Early planning and delays===
===Early planning and delays===
A part of the right-of-way of the present MRT-7 project can be traced to the original [[MRT Line 4 (Metro Manila)|Line 4]] proposal in 1995, when [[Ayala Land]] and a consortium of French (including Javlon International, [[Bouygues]], and [[SOFRETU]]) proposed a 15.1 km line from [[Old Bilibid prison|Old Bilibid]] near the [[Recto Avenue]] in Manila to [[Batasan Hills|Batasan]] in Quezon City.<ref>{{Cite web |last=C. Samonte |first=Severino |date=March 23, 2023 |title=MRT Line-7 was planned as LRT Line 4 during FVR's time in 1995 |url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/opinion/pieces/652-mrt-line-7-was-planned-as-lrt-line-4-during-fvrs-time-in-1995 |access-date=May 20, 2024 |website=Philippine News Agency}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=International1997-04-01T10:00:00+01:00 |first=Railway Gazette |title=Manila LRT expansion accelerated |url=https://www.railwaygazette.com/news/manila-lrt-expansion-accelerated/27454.article |access-date=2024-05-20 |website=Railway Gazette International |language=en}}</ref> This was also supposed to have a rolling stock of [[Light rail|light rail vehicles]] (LRVs), and in the 2005 proposal, the line would have utilized [[Electric multiple unit|electric multiple units]] (EMUs) as its rolling stock.
⚫
A part of the right-of-way of the present MRT-7 project can be traced to the original [[MRT Line 4 (Metro Manila)|MRT Line 4]] proposal as part of the Metro Manila Urban Transportation Integration Study published by the [[Japan International Cooperation Agency]] in 1999. It called for the construction of a {{Convert|22.8|km|abbr=on}} [[elevated railway]] between [[Recto Avenue]] in Manila to [[Novaliches]] in Quezon City. A branch line, which would either be an [[automated guideway transit]] or [[bus rapid transit|busway]], would have shuttle commuters to and from [[San Mateo, Rizal]]. This proposal would be later split into MRT-7 and the [[MRT Line 8]] proposal. The section of this route between the Quezon Memorial Circle and Novaliches became Line 7 while the rest of the proposed line became Line 8.<ref>{{Cite report|first=Shizuo|last=Iwata|title=Final Report Summary|work=Metro Manila Urban Transportation Integration Study |url=https://openjicareport.jica.go.jp/pdf/11580446.pdf|publisher=[[Japan International Cooperation Agency]]|date=March 5, 1999|access-date=October 2, 2021|archive-date=October 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211002110225/https://openjicareport.jica.go.jp/pdf/11580446.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

⚫
As part of the Metro Manila Urban Transportation Integration Study published by the [[Japan International Cooperation Agency]] in 1999, which included the Line 4 plan, it called for the construction of a {{Convert|22.8|km|abbr=on}} [[elevated railway]] between Recto Avenue in Manila and [[Novaliches]] in Quezon City. A branch line, which would either be an [[automated guideway transit]] or [[Bus rapid transit|busway]], would have shuttle commuters to and from [[San Mateo, Rizal]]. This proposal would be later split into MRT-7 and the [[MRT Line 8]] proposal. The section of this route between the Quezon Memorial Circle and Novaliches became Line 7 while the rest of the proposed line became Line 8.<ref>{{Cite report|first=Shizuo|last=Iwata|title=Final Report Summary|work=Metro Manila Urban Transportation Integration Study |url=https://openjicareport.jica.go.jp/pdf/11580446.pdf|publisher=[[Japan International Cooperation Agency]]|date=March 5, 1999|access-date=October 2, 2021|archive-date=October 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211002110225/https://openjicareport.jica.go.jp/pdf/11580446.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>


On August 27, 2001, an early proposal of the MRT-7 project was submitted to the [[Department of Transportation (Philippines)|Department of Transportation and Communications]] (now the Department of Transportation).<ref name="July2021update">{{Cite news|first=Lea|last=Devio|title=MRT-7 60.93% complete|work=The Manila Times|url=https://www.manilatimes.net/2021/07/23/news/national/mrt-7-6093-complete/1808057|date=July 23, 2021|access-date=July 23, 2021|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210723030806/https://www.manilatimes.net/2021/07/23/news/national/mrt-7-6093-complete/1808057|archive-date=July 23, 2021}}</ref> The Investment Coordination Committee (ICC) of the [[National Economic and Development Authority]] (NEDA) first approved a version of the MRT Line 7 project in March 2004; this initial approval was provisional and contingent on the project's impact on the government's deficit reduction program. It had been submitted as an [[unsolicited proposal]] under the [[build–operate–transfer]] scheme by the Universal LRT Corporation, a [[consortium]] consisting of [[Alstom]], EEI Corporation, [[TE Connectivity|Tyco Electronics]], and others.<ref name=ferriols2004/> NEDA subsequently authorized the $1.2&nbsp;billion project's construction the following August, citing the proponents' willingness to comply with the ICC's requirements, with construction slated to begin in 2005 and a targeted opening date in 2007.<ref name=reyes2004/><ref name=cabacungan2004/> In October 2004, Universal LRT Corporation signed an agreement with the Manila Banking Corporation to purchase {{convert|193|ha|acre|abbr=off}} of property in Bulacan for ₱1&nbsp;billion, stating it would develop this property to complement the rail line.<ref name=batino2004/>
On August 27, 2001, an early proposal of the MRT-7 project was submitted to the [[Department of Transportation (Philippines)|Department of Transportation and Communications]] (now the Department of Transportation).<ref name="July2021update">{{Cite news|first=Lea|last=Devio|title=MRT-7 60.93% complete|work=The Manila Times|url=https://www.manilatimes.net/2021/07/23/news/national/mrt-7-6093-complete/1808057|date=July 23, 2021|access-date=July 23, 2021|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210723030806/https://www.manilatimes.net/2021/07/23/news/national/mrt-7-6093-complete/1808057|archive-date=July 23, 2021}}</ref> The Investment Coordination Committee (ICC) of the [[National Economic and Development Authority]] (NEDA) first approved a version of the MRT Line 7 project in March 2004; this initial approval was provisional and contingent on the project's impact on the government's deficit reduction program. It had been submitted as an [[unsolicited proposal]] under the [[build–operate–transfer]] scheme by the Universal LRT Corporation, a [[consortium]] consisting of [[Alstom]], EEI Corporation, [[TE Connectivity|Tyco Electronics]], and others.<ref name=ferriols2004/> NEDA subsequently authorized the $1.2&nbsp;billion project's construction the following August, citing the proponents' willingness to comply with the ICC's requirements, with construction slated to begin in 2005 and a targeted opening date in 2007.<ref name=reyes2004/><ref name=cabacungan2004/> In October 2004, Universal LRT Corporation signed an agreement with the Manila Banking Corporation to purchase {{convert|193|ha|acre|abbr=off}} of property in Bulacan for ₱1&nbsp;billion, stating it would develop this property to complement the rail line.<ref name=batino2004/>
Line 309: Line 311:
In 2021, the project was realigned. Due to right-of-way issues, the original site of the [[Tala station|Tala]] and [[San Jose del Monte station]] was relocated, and the guideway leading to the station itself was realigned, now passing through the [[Quirino Highway]] alignment instead of passing through Pangarap Village, which has been disputed for years.<ref>{{Cite news|first=Demie|last=Dangla|title=Pangarap Village residents decry harassment over land dispute|url=https://manilatoday.net/pangarap-village-residents-decry-harassment-over-land-dispute/|work=Manila Today|date=June 18, 2015|access-date=July 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180204085519/https://manilatoday.net/pangarap-village-residents-decry-harassment-over-land-dispute/|archive-date=February 4, 2018}}</ref>
In 2021, the project was realigned. Due to right-of-way issues, the original site of the [[Tala station|Tala]] and [[San Jose del Monte station]] was relocated, and the guideway leading to the station itself was realigned, now passing through the [[Quirino Highway]] alignment instead of passing through Pangarap Village, which has been disputed for years.<ref>{{Cite news|first=Demie|last=Dangla|title=Pangarap Village residents decry harassment over land dispute|url=https://manilatoday.net/pangarap-village-residents-decry-harassment-over-land-dispute/|work=Manila Today|date=June 18, 2015|access-date=July 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180204085519/https://manilatoday.net/pangarap-village-residents-decry-harassment-over-land-dispute/|archive-date=February 4, 2018}}</ref>


{{as of|2023|1|31|df=US}}, the project is 66.07% complete.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.congress.gov.ph/photojournal/zoom.php?photoid=4499|title=House Tackles Dotr's Railway Projects Status, Urges Agency To Fix Project Delays|author=<!--Not stated-->|date=16 February 2023|publisher=Press and Public Affairs Bureau|website=[[House of Representatives of the Philippines]]|access-date=21 February 2023|archive-date=February 20, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230220213359/https://www.congress.gov.ph/photojournal/zoom.php?photoid=4499|url-status=live}}</ref> The line was planned to undergo "demonstration runs" by 2023 and full operations by 2024–2025; but was later deemed no longer feasible, targeting full operations by the second quarter of 2025 instead,<ref name="latestupdate" /> with DoTr Project Management Service (PMS) Director Eduardo D. Mangalili citing the completion of the depot as the main factor.<ref name="latestupdate" />
{{as of|2023|1|31|df=US}}, the project is 66.07% complete.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.congress.gov.ph/photojournal/zoom.php?photoid=4499|title=House Tackles Dotr's Railway Projects Status, Urges Agency To Fix Project Delays|author=<!--Not stated-->|date=16 February 2023|publisher=Press and Public Affairs Bureau|website=[[House of Representatives of the Philippines]]|access-date=21 February 2023|archive-date=February 20, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230220213359/https://www.congress.gov.ph/photojournal/zoom.php?photoid=4499|url-status=live}}</ref> The line was planned to undergo "demonstration runs" by 2023 and full operations by 2024–2025; but was later deemed no longer feasible, targeting full operations by the second quarter of 2025 instead,<ref name="latestupdate" /> with DoTr Project Management Service (PMS) Director Eduardo D. Mangalili citing the completion of the depot as the main factor.<ref name="latestupdate" /> However, the right-of-way issues, especially in San Jose Del Monte, continue to delay the project, and the DOTr expects partial operations from North Avenue to Lagro on the same date. The local government of SJDM informed DOTr that it would divert the station to another location.<ref>{{Cite web |last=CEDTyClea |date=2024-05-19 |title=Completion of SMC’s MRT-7 delayed on RoW issues in Bulacan segment — DoTr |url=https://www.bworldonline.com/corporate/2024/05/20/596082/completion-of-smcs-mrt-7-delayed-on-row-issues-in-bulacan-segment-dotr/ |access-date=2024-05-20 |website=BusinessWorld Online |language=en-US}}</ref>


==Station design and layout==
==Station design and layout==

Revision as of 11:32, 20 May 2024

MRT Line 7
Hyundai Rotem trains in September 2021
Overview
StatusUnder construction
OwnerDepartment of Transportation
Line number7
LocaleMetro Manila and Bulacan
Termini
Stations14[1]
Service
TypeRapid transit
SystemManila Metro Rail Transit System
Services1
Operator(s)SMC Mass Rail Transit 7 Incorporated[1]
Rolling stockClass 000 EMUs
Daily ridership300,000 (initial)
850,000 (design capacity)
History
Planned opening2027 (full)[2]
Technical
Line length24.069 km (14.956 mi)
Number of tracksDouble-track
CharacterGrade separated
Track gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge
Electrification750 V DC third rail[3]
Average inter-station distance1.85 km (1.15 mi)
Route map

Legend
 San Jose Del Monte
San Jose del Monte
Caloocan
 Tala
Caloocan
Quezon City
Depot
Sacred Heart
Quirino Avenue
Mindanao Avenue
Regalado Avenue
Doña Carmen
Manggahan
Batasan
Don Antonio
Tandang Sora
University Avenue
Quezon Memorial Circle
North EDSA
 MMS 
3
This diagram:

The Metro Rail Transit Line 7, also known as MRT Line 7 or MRT-7, is a rapid transit line under construction in the Philippines. When completed, the line will be 22.8 kilometers (14.2 miles) long, with 14 stations, and the first line to have a third rail electrification.[3] The line runs in a northeast–southwest direction, beginning at San Jose del Monte, Bulacan up to the North Triangle Common Station in North Avenue, Quezon City.

First planned in 2001 and approved in 2004,[4][5] the 25-year concession agreement was signed in 2008 between the Philippine government and the project's original proponent, Universal LRT Corporation.[6] However, construction has been repeatedly delayed due to right-of-way issues. The project was re-approved in 2013,[6] while funding for the project was obtained in 2016.[7] Construction on the line began the following year and is slated to open by 2025.[8][2] The project will cost an estimated ₱62.7 billion (US$1.54 billion),[9] with additional plans are laid for capacity expansion in order to accommodate the possible increase in passenger ridership in the future.

It is integrated with the public transit system in Metro Manila, and passengers also take various forms of road-based public transport, such as buses, to and from a station to reach their intended destination.

Route

The line will start at San Jose del Monte located in Bulacan and will end at the North Triangle Common Station in Quezon City. The line is mostly elevated and erected either over or along the roads covered, with underground sections between Quezon Memorial and University Avenue, and at San Jose del Monte. The rail line serves the cities that Quirino Highway, Regalado Highway, Commonwealth Avenue, and North Avenue passes through: San Jose del Monte in Bulacan, Caloocan and Quezon City in Metro Manila.

Stations

Upon completion, the line will have 14 stations along its route. Only one station, North EDSA, will initially serve as an interchange with the other metro lines, although two more will be interchanges when Line 8 opens.

List of stations
No.[10] Station Distance (km)[11] Structure type Connections Location
Between
stations 		Total
 S01  North EDSA[10] 1.665 0.000 Elevated
Interchange with Metro interchange Manila LRT
Interchange with Metro interchange Manila MRT
  •  1  North Avenue
  •  18   33   64  SM North EDSA
  •  4  Road 1  8  Trinoma
Quezon City
 S02  Quezon Memorial Circle[10] 0.837 1.665 Depressed
Proposed interchange with Metro interchange Manila MRT
  •  6   7   17   34   49  Visayas Avenue
     6   7   17   34   49  Quezon City Hall
 S03  University Avenue 1.664 2.502 Depressed
Proposed interchange with Metro interchange Manila MRT
  •  6   7   17   34   49  Technohub
 S04  Tandang Sora 2.254 4.166 Elevated
  •  6   7   17   34   36   39   41   49  Tandang Sora
     18   50   51  Luzon Avenue
 S05  Don Antonio 0.976 6.420 Elevated
  •  6   7   17   34   36   39   41   49  Ever Gotesco
  •  2  St. Peter Parish
 S06  Batasan 1.390 7.396 Elevated
  •  6   7   17   34   36   39   41   49  Batasan
  •  2  Maclang General Hospital
 S07  Manggahan 1.472 8.786 At-grade
  •  6   7   17   36   39   41   49  Manggahan
  •  2  Litex
 S08  Doña Carmen 1.145 10.258 Elevated
  •  6   7   17   36   39   41   49  Puregold North Commonwealth
 S09  Regalado Avenue[10] 3.416 11.403 Elevated
  •  6   7   17   36   39   41   49  Fairview Center Mall
 S10  Mindanao Avenue 0.800 14.819 Elevated
  •  6   7   17   20   33   36   37   38   39   40   41   49  SM Fairview (Nova Stop)
 S11  Quirino Avenue 2.642 15.619 Elevated
  •  6   20   33   49  Lagro
 S12  Sacred Heart 2.625 18.621 Elevated
  •  6   20   33   49  Amparo
Caloocan
 S13  Tala 3.183 20.886 Elevated
  •  6   20   33   49  Pangarap
    Bus interchange Tala Intermodal Transportation Terminal[12]
 S14  San Jose del Monte — 24.069 Elevated San Jose del Monte, Bulacan
Stations, lines, and/or other transport connections in italics are either under construction, proposed, unopened, or have been closed.

History

Early planning and delays

A part of the right-of-way of the present MRT-7 project can be traced to the original Line 4 proposal in 1995, when Ayala Land and a consortium of French (including Javlon International, Bouygues, and SOFRETU) proposed a 15.1 km line from Old Bilibid near the Recto Avenue in Manila to Batasan in Quezon City.[13][14] This was also supposed to have a rolling stock of light rail vehicles (LRVs), and in the 2005 proposal, the line would have utilized electric multiple units (EMUs) as its rolling stock.

As part of the Metro Manila Urban Transportation Integration Study published by the Japan International Cooperation Agency in 1999, which included the Line 4 plan, it called for the construction of a 22.8 km (14.2 mi) elevated railway between Recto Avenue in Manila and Novaliches in Quezon City. A branch line, which would either be an automated guideway transit or busway, would have shuttle commuters to and from San Mateo, Rizal. This proposal would be later split into MRT-7 and the MRT Line 8 proposal. The section of this route between the Quezon Memorial Circle and Novaliches became Line 7 while the rest of the proposed line became Line 8.[15]

On August 27, 2001, an early proposal of the MRT-7 project was submitted to the Department of Transportation and Communications (now the Department of Transportation).[4] The Investment Coordination Committee (ICC) of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) first approved a version of the MRT Line 7 project in March 2004; this initial approval was provisional and contingent on the project's impact on the government's deficit reduction program. It had been submitted as an unsolicited proposal under the build–operate–transfer scheme by the Universal LRT Corporation, a consortium consisting of Alstom, EEI Corporation, Tyco Electronics, and others.[5] NEDA subsequently authorized the $1.2 billion project's construction the following August, citing the proponents' willingness to comply with the ICC's requirements, with construction slated to begin in 2005 and a targeted opening date in 2007.[16][17] In October 2004, Universal LRT Corporation signed an agreement with the Manila Banking Corporation to purchase 193 hectares (480 acres) of property in Bulacan for ₱1 billion, stating it would develop this property to complement the rail line.[18]

Universal LRT Corporation, later renamed to now SMC-Mass Rail Transit 7 Incorporated, a subsidiary of San Miguel Corporation (SMC) was selected by the Department of Transportation and Communications to build the line in 2008. The concession agreement of the project was signed on June 18, 2008.[6][19] Construction of the line should have commenced in January 2010, but was postponed several times.[20]

In May 2012, the joint venture of Marubeni Corporation and DMCI was awarded a construction contract.[21] However, after years of delays, SMC planned to conduct a second round of bidding in 2015, due to revised construction cost assumptions.[22]

The current project was approved on November 21, 2013, by the NEDA board, chaired by President Benigno Aquino III, and the project was developed through a public-private partnership (PPP). It has an indicative cost of ₱62.7 billion.[23]

The Department of Finance issued the terms of financial guarantee for the line in 2014, and financial closure for the project was achieved in February 2016.[7] On January 22, 2016, Hyundai Rotem won the US$440.2 million contract with SMC-Mass Rail Transit 7 Incorporated to supply 108 train cars, signalling, communication and power supply systems.[24][25]

Construction

Construction progress of Batasan Station along Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City as of August 2018.
Construction along Commonwealth Avenue, March 2021.

Soil testing and surveying, including pre-construction related activities, were conducted in February 2016. SMC tapped the consortium of Hyundai Rotem and EEI Corporation as the engineering, procurement and construction contractor in the same year.[26] A groundbreaking event was held on April 20, 2016, 15 years after initial development began, and was attended by President Benigno Aquino III.[27] The line was expected to be finished by 2019,[28] but was repeatedly pushed back because of right-of-way issues regarding the acquisition of a 33-hectare (82-acre) land for the San Jose del Monte station, depot, and the intermodal transport terminal (ITT).[29]

More than a year after the groundbreaking ceremony was held, construction on the 22.8-kilometer (14.2-mile) line officially started on August 15, 2017, and has resulted in lane closures and heavy traffic along Commonwealth Avenue and Quirino Highway, both in Quezon City.[8][30][28] The project also includes construction of a 22-kilometer (13.7-mile) highway from the NLEX Bocaue Interchange, up to the proposed intermodal transport terminal (ITT) located near San Jose del Monte station.[1]

Groundbreaking for Batasan station was held on October 7, 2017,[31] while the excavation for the underground guideway at Quezon Memorial Circle is ongoing as of November 2017.[28] Construction of the station and rail track along North Avenue began on January 22, 2018.[32]

Nearly two years since the start of the construction of Line 7, works at the depot commenced on November 26, 2019, according to a statement by the DOTr.[33][34] After two years of court hearings and appeals to obtain a site, the original location of the depot in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan was moved to Quirino Highway in Barangay Greater Lagro, Quezon City. The relocation was found optimal for right-of-way, operational reliability, and maintenance.[33] The depot site was approved by Tugade on June 29, 2019, and the DOTr offered to buy the property from lot owners Century Properties Group, Inc. at the current market value, which was appraised by a Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas-accredited independent property appraiser.[35] Construction works at the depot started on May 31, 2022, after the land area was cleared.[36]

Originally, the site in Bulacan was subject to a legal case after the property owner questioned the expropriation at the Malolos Regional Trial Court Branch 11. If it was pushed through, the cost of the project would have multiplied ninefold from ₱67.105 million to ₱598.905 million. Transport Assistant Secretary Goddes Hope Oliveros-Libiran stated that it would take forever to resolve the case and it will no longer be pursued. The case in Bulacan has prompted San Miguel to conduct a scheduled partial operation of the line from North Avenue to a station in Fairview in 2021.[37]

In 2021, the project was realigned. Due to right-of-way issues, the original site of the Tala and San Jose del Monte station was relocated, and the guideway leading to the station itself was realigned, now passing through the Quirino Highway alignment instead of passing through Pangarap Village, which has been disputed for years.[38]

As of January 31, 2023, the project is 66.07% complete.[39] The line was planned to undergo "demonstration runs" by 2023 and full operations by 2024–2025; but was later deemed no longer feasible, targeting full operations by the second quarter of 2025 instead,[2] with DoTr Project Management Service (PMS) Director Eduardo D. Mangalili citing the completion of the depot as the main factor.[2] However, the right-of-way issues, especially in San Jose Del Monte, continue to delay the project, and the DOTr expects partial operations from North Avenue to Lagro on the same date. The local government of SJDM informed DOTr that it would divert the station to another location.[40]

Station design and layout

The stations will have a standard layout, with a concourse level and a platform level. The concourse is usually above or below the platform, with stairs, escalators and elevators leading down to the platform level. Station concourses will contain ticket booths, which is separated from the platform level by fare gates. Most stations will be designed to be barrier-free inside and outside the station, and trains will have spaces for passengers using wheelchairs.

Stations will either have island platforms and side platforms.

Rolling stock

Installation of coaches.
President Rodrigo Duterte during the unveiling of Hyundai Rotem EMU train sets for the MRT-7 along Commonwealth Avenue in Diliman, Quezon City on December 16, 2021

The line will be operated with 108 rail cars in a three-car configuration. Hyundai Rotem was awarded a $440.2 million contract to supply 108 metro cars, which will be configured into 36 train sets (3 cars per train set, with plans of expanding up to 6 cars per train set). The contractual scope also includes signalling, communications, and power supplies for the metro line. All ordered trainsets have undergone the necessary testing and trials. After being stored in South Korea since 2018 due to a lack of a depot,[29] the 108 railcars are already in the process of being shipped to the Philippines.[41] The first batch of two three-car trainsets arrived in the country on September 6, 2021.[42] The trains were then brought from the Port of Manila to Commonwealth Avenue and were laid on the tracks near the Tandang Sora station from September 11 and 12.[43] On the other hand, the trains are seen to begin test runs by April 2022.[needs update][44] As of December 2021, six trainsets were delivered and laid on the tracks near Tandang Sora station, with the latest deliveries of two trains that were laid in November 2021.[45][46] The trains were unveiled on December 16, 2021.[47] On November 22, 2023, a series of test trials were made for the train sets parked along Commonwealth Avenue, located between Tandang Sora Station and Don Antonio Station. The test were also oversaw by Ramon Ang on December 1, 2023, alongside officials from Hyundai Rotem, Korail, and Rhodium 688.[48] [49]

Rolling stock specifications
Rolling stock First-generation
Image
Year 2018–2019
Manufacturer Hyundai Rotem
Model Class 000
Number built 108 cars (36 sets)[24][25]
Car Length DM: 21.95 m (72 ft 0 in)
T: 21.56 m (70 ft 9 in)
Train Length 65.46 m (214 ft 9 in)
Width 3.15 m (10 ft 4 in)
Height 3.75 m (12 ft 4 in)
Body material Stainless steel
Weight 115 t (254,000 lb) [clarification needed]
Configuration DM1-T-DM2
Capacity 1,168 passengers
Doors Pocket sliding; 4 doors per side
Drive unit Gear coupling (WN) Drive
Traction power 750 V DC third rail
Traction control IGBT–VVVF
Traction motor 200 kW (270 hp) 3-phase AC induction motor
Top speed 90 km/h (55 mph)
Braking system Electro-pneumatic
Safety system(s) ATP
Acceleration 1 m/s2 (3.3 ft/s2)
Deceleration 1 m/s2 (3.3 ft/s2) (Service)
1.3 m/s2 (4.3 ft/s2) (Emergency)
Gauge 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in)
Coupling Shibata close-contact
Status 17 trainsets (51 cars) delivered as of April 2024

Depot

MRT Line 7 Depot in Barangays 183 Tala (Quirino Highway)

The line will maintain an at-grade depot in Barangay Greater Lagro, Quezon City, close to the proximity of La Mesa Watershed.[33] The depot occupies 20 hectares (49 acres) of space and will be the center of the operations and maintenance of the line.[34] It will be capable of handling 150 trains for future expansion of the line.[50]

Expansion

SMC plans for MRT-7 to evolve into a 200-kilometer (120-mile) network. Its main feature is a circumferential mainline comprising the present line, the Airport Access segment to New Manila International Airport, the West Rail Link, and the Phase 2A between the Manila North Harbor and the North Avenue Common Station. Additional branches will also be built in northeastern Metro Manila and Rizal.

Phase 2A

Not to be confused with MRT Line 8.

The first proposed extension by phase number is Phase 2A, an unnamed westward extension of the line to Tutuban station via West Avenue, Quezon Avenue and Earnshaw Street before running parallel to the LRT Line 2 after Legarda station.[51] This is similar to an earlier proposal under review, MRT Line 8, under the Philippine National Railways, that has proposed technical specifications identical to the MRT-7. Depending on the deliberations and pending approvals, the two lines may coexist or may be merged.

Phase 2A stations

Name Line transfers Barangay City/Municipality Nearest Landmarks
Del Monte none Phil-Am Quezon City None
Delta West Triangle Capitol Medical Center, St. Mary's College
A. Roces Paligsahan Fisher Mall, Amoranto Sports Complex
Santo Domingo Santo Domingo Santo Domingo Church, UST Angelicum College
D. Tuazon Santa Mesa Heights Welcome Rotonda, National Labor Relations Commission
España Boulevard  NSCR  España Sampaloc Manila Trabajo Market
G. Araneta none University of Santo Tomas
Legarda Legarda San Sebastian Church, University Belt (Mendiola Street section)
Recto Recto Santa Cruz Isetann Recto, Manila City Jail
Tutuban Tutuban
Tutuban 		Tondo Tutuban Center (Old Tutuban Station), Divisoria
North Port Pier 4
North Port Passenger Terminal 		Port of Manila

Phase 2B (West Rail Link)

Phase 2B is dubbed the West Rail Link project. It will be an airport rail link to New Manila International Airport and traversing the northwest coast of Metro Manila, in similar fashion to the Clark–Buendia Airport Limited Express of the North–South Commuter Railway. It will host express train services and aims to connect the NMIA and Metro Manila within 20 minutes.[52] Thus, it will only have three stations: C2 in Manila, C4 in Navotas, and NMIA. The length of the segment is yet to be determined.[51]

Phase 3 (Airport Access)

With the depot underway, San Miguel Corp. has plans to extend the line further to Bocaue, Bulacan, running parallel to the planned six-lane highway alon the area, which aims to be connected to the North Luzon Expressway.[53] The extension will improve access to Ciudad de Victoria complex, where the Philippine Arena will be within its vicinity.[54] The line will also connect Metro Manila with New Manila International Airport, adding 30.3 kilometers (18.8 miles) to the present line to 53.1 kilometers (33.0 miles).[55] Plans were also laid out connect the airport to the cities of Navotas, Malabon, and Manila, consisting of 19 additional stations, and will travel through the alignment of the LRT 2 Western Extension and the planned MRT 8, before traversing to West Avenue, and finally connecting the planned extension line to the North Triangle Common Station.[56]

This segment shall be operated together with the Philippine National Railways.[55]

Phase 3 stations

Name Line transfers Barangay City/Municipality Nearest Landmarks
Tungkong Mangga San Jose del Monte Tungkong Mangga San Jose del Monte Skyline Hospital and Medical Center, Iglesia ni Cristo - Maharlika, College of St. Anthony
Francisco Homes none Mulawin Grace Medical Center, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
Dulong Bayan Dulong Bayan City of San Jose del Monte Government Center, River Park Esplanade
Santa Maria San Vicente Santa Maria Bella Vista
Philippine Arena Tabing Bakod Philippine Arena, Philippine Sports Stadium
Marilao (Phase 3)  NSCR  Marilao Ibayo Marilao SM City Marilao
NMIA NMIA Taliptip Bulakan New Manila International Airport

Phase 4A (Southeast Alignment)

Phase 4A involves the construction of an extension from D. Tuazon station of Phase 2A to Taytay, Rizal. Excluding D. Tuazon, it will have 10 stations running on a northwest–southeast alignment.[51] This project is also similar to the MRT Line 4, except it will run on the same Line 7 network, providing wider access of stations. It will also traverse areas north of Gilmore station towards Quezon Avenue. Line 4 was originally intended to be a monorail system, until it was upgraded to a heavy rail system.

Phase 4A stations

Name Line transfers Barangay City/Municipality Nearest Landmarks
Araneta Avenue none New Manila Quezon City De Los Santos Medical Center, St. Luke's Medical Center – Quezon City, Trinity University of Asia
E. Rodriguez Kristong Hari Christ the King Seminary, Barangay Mariana Park, Quezon City Sports Club
Gilmore Gilmore New Manila Gilmore Commercial Plaza, St. Paul University Quezon City
Greenhills none Greenhills San Juan Cardinal Santos Medical Center, Greenhills Shopping Center
POEA–Ortigas Wack Wack–Greenhills Mandaluyong EDSA Shrine, La Salle Green Hills, Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, Robinsons Galleria, Wack Wack Golf and Country Club
Meralco Avenue (Southeast Alignment Spur) Ugong Pasig Meralco Main Office, The Medical City
Pasig None Rosario Sto. Rosario de Pasig Church
Bonifacio Avenue (Katipunan branch) Santo Domingo Cainta, Rizal Robinsons Cainta
L. Wood None San Isidro Taytay, Rizal Taytay Rotonda Monument
Taytay Dolores Taytay Public Market, Taytay Municipal Hall

Phase 4B

Phase 4B involves the construction of a spur line between Ortigas Center and V. Mapa station of LRT Line 2. Excluding Meralco Avenue station and V. Mapa, it will have 6 stations traversing a U-shaped right of way.[51]

Phase 5 (Katipunan spur)

Plans were also laid out for a 13.9 kilometers (8.6 miles) additional spur line, known as the MRT 7 Katipunan Spur Line, that aims to connect the line from Tandang Sora station to the LRT Line 2 at Katipunan and Marikina stations; the U.P. Town Center, the Ateneo de Manila University, the Riverbanks Center, and the MRT 4 Cainta Station. The project also consists of 8 additional stations, and will connect areas within Quezon City, Marikina, the eastern parts of Pasig, and Cainta, Rizal. The proposed spur line will traverse through the University of the Philippines Diliman complex, Katipunan Avenue, Aurora Boulevard, Andres Bonifacio Avenue, Sumulong Highway, Mayor Gil Fernando Avenue, and Felix Avenue.[57][58]

Phase 5 stations

Name Line transfers Location Nearest landmarks
Tandang Sora Tandang Sora Matandang Balara, Quezon City New Era University, Commonwealth Avenue
Balara none University of the Philippines Diliman, MWSS, Balara Filters Park
U.P. Town Center Diliman, Quezon City U.P. Town Center, C.P. Garcia Avenue (UP), Brgy. Pansol
Ateneo Loyola Heights, Quezon City Miriam College, Ateneo de Manila University
Katipunan Katipunan Xavierville Avenue, Aurora Boulevard, Project 2 & 3
Riverbanks none Marikina Riverbanks Center, Barangka, Provident Village
Sumulong Marikina City Hall, Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center, Sumulong Highway
Emerald-Marikina Marikina Marikina–Infanta Highway, Sta. Lucia East, Robinsons Metro East
Bonifacio Avenue 4 Cainta Cainta, Rizal Ortigas Avenue Extension, Cainta Public Market, Robinsons Cainta

Notes

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