The Philippine rail network will carry 5 million passengers every day when all rail lines are fully operational, a figure that Transportation Undersecretary for Railways Timothy John “TJ” Batan said Saturday represents a transformation in how Filipinos move around Metro Manila and its surrounding regions.
Batan made the statement in an interview on DZRH News program Special on Saturday on August 29, as part of the DZRH SONA 2026 Series featuring the Department of Transportation (DOTr).
The railways undersecretary said the 5 million daily figure represents the combined ridership of MRT-7, LRT Line 1 with all extensions, the Metro Manila Subway, MRT-3, LRT-2, and the North-South Commuter Railway operating at capacity.
Transportation Secretary Giovanni “Banoy” Lopez said 5 million daily rail passengers means 5 million Filipinos with predictable, affordable, and reliable transportation, changing not just their commute but the quality of their daily lives.
“5 million po sa ating mga kababayan na merong predictability of transportation. Makakatipid sila sa oras, makakatipid sila sa gastusin, at yung traffic din po sa kalsada makakatulong,” Lopez said.
President Marcos’ Transport chief said the human impact of a functional rail system extends beyond money and time, describing how a commuter who arrives at work without being exhausted by traffic performs better, and returns home with enough energy to spend time with family.
“Iba po kasi yung pagpasok mo sa opisina okay ka pa, pag-uwi mo pagdating mo sa pamilya mo mas okay ka pa kasi alam mo yung oras ng dating mo. Makakasama mo pa yung iyong pamilya. Hindi ka kumbaga ngarag, hindi ka toxic na umuwi,” Lopez said.
Batan said the 5 million ridership figure is achievable within the Marcos administration’s remaining term, with MRT-7 set for Q2 2027 partial operations, NSCR N1 targeting Q4 2027, and the Metro Manila Subway demo run set for Q1 2028.
