The Metro Rail Transit Line 7 (MRT-7) is set to begin partial revenue operations in the second quarter of 2027, opening 12 stations from Sacred Heart in Quezon City all the way to North Avenue, in what Transportation Secretary Giovanni “Banoy” Lopez said will bring long-overdue traffic relief to one of Metro Manila’s most congested corridors.
Lopez 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).
President Marcos’ Transport chief said the department is confident about the Q2 2027 timeline, describing it as a firm target rather than an aspirational one.
“Mukhang siguradong-sigurado kami na 2nd quarter of 2027 makikita na po nila, masasakyan na po ng ating kababayan itong ating MRT-7 rail line,” Lopez said.
Lopez said the MRT-7 is conservatively projected to carry 300,000 daily passengers, a figure he said translates directly to 60,000 fewer vehicles on Commonwealth Avenue each day given an average of five passengers per car.
“300,000 divided by 5, 60,000 na po ‘yan. 60,000 din po vehicles ang sa tingin namin makakaluwag sa ating Commonwealth,” he said.
The Transport chief said the MRT-7 will also be connected to the Common Station, which links it to MRT-3 and LRT Line 1, enabling seamless transfers between the three rail lines for commuters traveling across Metro Manila.
Transportation Undersecretary for Railways Timothy John “TJ” Batan said the MRT-7 runs from North Avenue in Quezon City up to San Jose del Monte in Bulacan, eventually extending the reach of the rail system beyond Metro Manila into the province.
