DOTr eyes full operation of MRT7 by 2023

The P68.2-billion Metro Rail Transit Line 7 (MRT7) project, which runs from North Avenue, Quezon City, to San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, is expected to be fully operational by 2023, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said Monday.

"Our progress rate is at 65%, and our target is for it to be ready for partial operations by December 2022 and fully operational by 2023," DOTr Undersecretary Timothy Batan said during the Laging Handa briefing.

"This will bring great convenience to our commuters since it will reduce travel time from San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, to North Avenue from two hours to 30 minutes."

The six train sets, which account for 18 train cars, were delivered in December 2021 in a ceremony led by President Rodrigo Duterte.

Batan said the MRT7 is expected to serve 300,000 passengers on a daily basis and is equipped to service more.

"While 300,000 passengers per day is the figure we expect for its first year, MRT7 has the capacity to service 800,000 passengers on an everyday basis," he said.

"So 10 to 15 years down the line, MRT7 is equipped to deal with an increased number of passengers," Batan added.

The MRT7 project involves the construction of electric power systems, computer and communications systems, signaling systems, and automatic fare systems, among others. —KBK, GMA News