For Emerrie Joy Fegarido, a daily commuter from Novaliches to Makati, the long hours spent navigating Metro Manila’s congested roads are exhausting. With up to four hours of commuting each day, Emerrie’s routine includes multiple transfers, long waits, and unpredictable traffic. Her story is emblematic of the struggle faced by nearly 520,000 commuters who had hoped for relief from the much-anticipated Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP).
Originally slated to begin operations in 2021, the MMSP has been delayed and is only 16% completed as of August 2024. Dubbed the “Project of the Century,” the 33-kilometer underground railway system promises to connect eight cities with 17 stations, significantly cutting travel times. Once operational, it could reduce Emerrie’s commute by allowing her to take a single subway route from Tandang Sora to Kalayaan Avenue in under 35 minutes. However, the subway isn’t expected to be operational until 2028, meaning commuters like Emerrie will have to wait four more years.
The project’s history dates back to former President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III’s administration, where it was initially planned as the Light Rail Transit Line 5. It was later adopted under the “Build, Build, Build” initiative of President Rodrigo Duterte and rebranded as the Mega Manila Subway. However, issues surrounding right-of-way, particularly the high cost of acquiring land in densely built areas, have been a significant obstacle.
“Back then, elevated railways were cheaper since there weren’t as many tall buildings,” explained DOTr Undersecretary for Rails Jeremy Regino. “Now, with more tall structures, securing right-of-way is much more expensive.”
Despite these delays, the project remains a priority under President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s administration, as part of its P9-trillion Infrastructure Flagship Projects (IFP). Marcos emphasized the progress of the subway’s tunneling works in his 2024 State of the Nation Address, noting that it is already as deep as a six-story building in some sections.
Once complete, the Metro Manila Subway will integrate with existing rail systems, including LRT1, MRT3, MRT7, and the North-South Commuter Railway Extension (NSCR-Ex). This interconnectedness is vital for alleviating the city’s traffic woes, offering a high-capacity solution to the metropolis’ transportation problems.
As Regino pointed out, “In megacities around the world, subways are essential. Compared to jeepneys or buses, the train system can carry far more people, making it a critical part of solving traffic congestion.”
For now, however, commuters like Emerrie can only hope that the subway’s promise of shorter, more efficient commutes becomes a reality sooner rather than later.