South Commuter Railway Project to benefit 800,000 commuters by 2029 —Marcos

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. said Thursday that the South Commuter Railway Project of the North-South Commuter Railway System (NSCR) would benefit 800,000 commuters by 2029.

"As we hold the signing of Contract Packages S-01, S-03a, and S-03c, we continue to show the commitment to realizing the dream of a more efficient and inclusive public transportation system that every Filipino deserves," Marcos said at the signing of two other contract packages for the South Commuter Railway Project.

"With the signing of these three contract packages that cover a total of around 14.9 kilometers of at-grade and railway viaduct structures, we will be a step closer to our goal of serving around 800,000 commuters daily by 2029," he added.

Marcos said the project would generate at least 3,000 jobs once civil works for these sections begin.

"While that is the case, we must also recognize the plight of informal settler families who will be affected by the project as well as the disturbances that the construction of the NSCR system will cause," Marcos said.

The Chief Executive called on concerned agencies to work together to address the potential challenges, including the project right of way, the need for land acquisition, and the relocation of utility poles installed along the area.

He also asked for the public's continued patience and understanding as they may encounter interruptions from the construction of the project.

"I know that it is our collective longing to create a society that works for the people and that will open bigger opportunities for our children," Marcos said.

Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista presented the project overview for the three (3) contract packages S-01, S-03A and S-03C under the SCRP during the signing ceremony.

With combined costs of more than P52 billion, the civic contract packages cover a combined length of 14.9 kilometers of elevated and ground-level rail tracks, including six modern train stations that will rise at Blumentritt, Buendia, EDSA, Senate, Bicutan, and Sucat.

Some of the stations will be linked to other rail systems to enhance transport interconnectivity. This includes the construction of an elevated pedestrian connection to existing railway stations such as the Blumentritt Station with LRT 1 and EDSA Station with MRT 3 Magallanes Station.

Similarly, the Senate Station will be constructed near the Senate Subway Station and the Bicutan Station will share the same platform with the Bicutan Subway Station. —VAL, GMA Integrated News