In a speech, Marcos emphasized the benefits that the country’s first underground railway system will bring to the commuting public and the economy.
“Although it is a given that the construction of these structures will take time and cause disruption, let us be optimistic and just count the small inconveniences as a small price to pay for the fruitful results that this program, this project, will yield,” Marcos said during the groundbreaking ceremony for the Shaw Boulevard and Ortigas stations – the first phase of the project.
A portion of Meralco Avenue, or about 250 meters of the road from Capitol Commons to Shaw Boulevard, will not be passable beginning 9 p.m. on Monday until 2028 when the subway is expected to be operational.
Commuters and public transport drivers expressed dismay as they dread longer trips due to traffic rerouting.
READ: MMDA advises motorists to take alternate routes during Meralco Avenue partial closure
The President stressed that the 33-kilometer subway system – which will have 17 stations from Valenzuela to Bicutan – will eventually increase productivity by helping address traffic congestion in Metro Manila.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) said the subway can accommodate over 519,000 passengers daily and reduce travel time from Valenzuela to Bicutan to around 45 minutes, from the usual one hour and 25 minutes through EDSA.
“With improving linkages of key areas in business districts in the metro as well as the availability of stalls and other stores in the stations and nearby markets, we can see more business opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors and additional economic activity,” Marcos also said.
According to DOTr, the concept for a subway mass transport project in the country started in 1973, but it did not have a completed feasibility study until the Duterte administration decided to implement it.
Construction for the subway is supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency through loans.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 3) — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday sought the public’s understanding ahead of the partial closure of Meralco Avenue in Pasig City for the construction of the Metro Manila Subway.
