MANILA, Philippines — The Metro Rail Transit Line 7 (MRT-7) is expected to be operational by 2027, or before the end of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s term, Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon said.

Following an inspection of the MRT-7 depot in Quirino Highway, Quezon City, as well as the Batasan Station and other project facilities, Dizon expressed confidence that the long-delayed rail project will be completed on schedule.

“I am fully confident that MRT-7 will be completed before the end of President Bongbong Marcos’ term. By 2027, our fellow citizens will be able to ride it,” Dizon said.

He emphasized that accelerating the completion of MRT-7 is part of the President’s directive to improve commuter convenience and give people more time to rest and spend with their families.

The transport chief also underscored the need to fast-track the completion of the Common Station to ensure seamless connectivity between MRT-7, MRT-3, and LRT-1.

“The Common Station should match MRT-7’s timeline so that once MRT-7 is finished, commuters will find it easier to transfer between the three lines,” he said.

Once operational, the MRT-7 is expected to significantly cut travel time between North Avenue in Quezon City and San Jose Del Monte in Bulacan, while easing traffic congestion along Commonwealth Avenue.

“This will save a lot of time for our commuters. They will no longer need to wake up early, and the reduction in traffic on Commonwealth will be substantial,” Dizon said.

He also pointed to the MRT-7’s construction—undertaken by San Miguel Corporation—as a potential model for future rail projects, citing the system’s wide trains, absence of overhead power lines, and commuter-friendly stations equipped with escalators, elevators, and accessibility features.

As of the latest update, the MRT-7 project is 83.08 percent complete and is expected to serve up to 600,000 passengers daily in its first year of operations.