3 weeks ago
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February 23, 2025 | 12:00am
Our country’s mass rail system still leaves much to be desired, particularly in terms of interconnectivity.
We currently have LRT Lines 1 and 2 and MRT-3 in operation, but they are not seamlessly connected like train systems in countries such as Japan.
Transferring between LRT-1 and LRT-2 is only possible via the LRT-1 Doroteo Jose Station and the LRT-2 Recto Station. Moving between LRT-2 and MRT-3 can only be done through the Cubao station. Transfers between MRT-3 and LRT-1 are possible at the LRT-1 EDSA station or the MRT-3 Taft Station. MRT-3 is indirectly connected to LRT-2, with Taft Avenue linked via a covered walkway to the LRT-1 EDSA station. The stations are not directly connected, requiring passengers to walk considerable distances.
The Unified Grand Central Station, or Common Station, in North EDSA, Quezon City, was conceptualized over a decade ago to connect LRT-1, MRT-3, MRT-7 (still non-operational) and the Metro Manila Subway (still under construction).
This project also aims to provide an integrated system where passengers can easily access buses, jeepneys and taxis.
In January 2017, after years of deadlock, the government and private sector agreed on a compromise location near SM Annex in North EDSA and Ayala-owned Trinoma Mall.
Launched in 2011, the ambitious plan aimed to integrate LRT-1, MRT-3 and MRT-7 to ease traffic and reduce travel time. The project is expected to serve around 500,000 passengers daily upon completion.
Sadly, after 13 years, it remains unfinished, plagued by corruption, negligence, design flaws, safety issues and budget controversies.
The project is divided into three areas: A, B, and C. Area A, with an estimated cost of P2.7 billion, covers platforms for LRT-1 and MRT-3, managed by the Department of Transportation (DOTr). Area B, connecting Areas A and C, is handled by North Triangle Depot Commercial Corp., affiliated with Ayala Land. Area C, covering the MRT-7 platform, is being built by San Miguel Corp.
The DOTr awarded the Area A contract to BF Corp. and Foresight Development and Surveying Co. on Feb. 13, 2019, with a contract price of P2.78 billion and an original completion date of Jan. 4, 2021. At the time, Undersecretary Timothy John Batan was the head for railways. Yet, as of 2025, the project remains incomplete.
BF Corp., primarily a steel fabrication company, allegedly insisted on using an all-steel viaduct structure instead of the recommended combination of concrete and steel. Experts warn that this deviation could compromise the stability of the railway station.
According to a Feb. 19 report by The STAR, all DOTr undersecretaries are vacating their posts to give incoming Secretary Vince Dizon the freedom to select his team. However, Batan will reportedly be retained for his institutional memory but reassigned as officer-in-charge of the railway sector, replacing Jeremy Regino.
In response to concerns regarding the project and Batan’s reassignment, Dizon in a text message stated he would investigate the Common Station Project, calling it a priority. “Sobrang tagal na nyan… will investigate this thoroughly but will make sure that this gets done,” he said.
Dizon must carefully select competent and trustworthy individuals to help him achieve national goals. With a directive from the President to accelerate ongoing projects and launch new ones, Dizon has committed to prioritizing transportation initiatives aimed at encouraging Filipinos to shift from private cars to public transportation. But safety of the riding public should never be compromised.
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