Metro Manila Subway

The idea of building a subway in the Greater Manila Area had been forwarded as early as 1973, when the JICA (at the time known as the Overseas Technical Cooperation Agency or OTCA) and former Secretary of Public Works and Highways David Consunji conducted a study on what shall later be Metro Manila (formally constituted on November 7, 1975).{{Cite news|first=Jeline |last=Malasig |title=Story behind Metro Manila Subway and the 45 years since its first proposal |url=https://interaksyon.philstar.com/trends-spotlights/2018/12/28/141316/story-behind-metro-manila-subway-and-the-45-years-since-its-first-proposal/ |work=InterAksyon |date=2018-12-28 |access-date=2022-05-31 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210206033608/https://interaksyon.philstar.com/trends-spotlights/2018/12/28/141316/story-behind-metro-manila-subway-and-the-45-years-since-its-first-proposal/ |archive-date=2021-02-06}} The 1973 plan was known as the Urban Transport Study in Manila Metropolitan Area (UTSMMA).{{Cite web |date=September 1973 |title=Urban Transport Study in Manila Metropolitan Area |url=https://openjicareport.jica.go.jp/pdf/10467439.pdf |website=Overseas Technical Cooperation Agency}}

The 1973 plan provided for the construction of five heavy rail subway lines in Metro Manila. The first line (Line 1) would have a length of {{convert|27.1|km|mi|sp=us}}, running from Constitution Hills (now Batasan Hills), Quezon City to Talon, Las Piñas. The second line (Line 2), meanwhile, would be {{convert|36|km|mi|sp=us}} long from Novaliches, Quezon City to Cainta, Rizal, while Line 3 for {{convert|24.3|km|mi|sp=us}} throughout Epifanio de los Santos Avenue. The fourth line (Line 4) would have been {{convert|30.1|km|mi|sp=us}} long from Marikina to Zapote, Bacoor, and the fifth line would have a length of {{Convert|17.6|km|mi|sp=us}} from Rizal Avenue, Manila to Meycauayan, Bulacan. The plan would have resolved the traffic problems of Metro Manila and would have taken 15 years to complete, or until 1988.

In 1975, a Reuters report said Manila was having traffic problems as many people feared that the population would grow, the number of commuters would increase, and there would be one day with only people on the streets with no vehicles. Also, it says that the team from JICA is studying the project that recommended the subway system and was expected to cost about US$930 million.{{Cite news |date=December 8, 1975 |title=Manila faces a traffic crisis |agency=Reuters}}

In 1976, JICA conducted a feasibility study of the line, known as Rapid Transit Railway (RTR) Line 1. The study proposed a tentative route from Manila International Airport (MIA), now Ninoy Aquino International Airport, to the University of the Philippines in Quezon City, totaling {{convert|25.2|km|mi|sp=us}}. With the planned completion dates between 1983 and 2000 for that line with four stages, the other lines would have been constructed as part of the RTR network: Line 2 would connect Novaliches in Quezon City to Guadalupe, Makati; Line 3 would connect Malabon to Roxas Boulevard in Pasay; Line 4 would connect Baclaran in Parañaque to Cubao in Quezon City; and Line 5 would connect Binondo to Marulas in Valenzuela. Also, Pacific Consultants International and the Japan Overseas Consultants participated as a study team.{{Cite web |date=June 1976 |title=The Feasibility Study for Manila Rapid Transit Railway Line No. 1 |url=https://openjicareport.jica.go.jp/pdf/10457232_01.pdf |access-date=July 21, 2024 |website=Japan International Cooperation Agency}} According to some critics of the LRT Line 1 that was built instead of the RTR Line 1, Marcos decided against the subway after being convinced by his advisers that the line could not be completed before Singapore finished its own first line.{{Cite web |last= |date=2017-09-13 |title=What if Manila decided to build its first subway back in the 1970s? |url=https://d0ctrine.com/2017/09/13/what-if-manila-decided-to-build-its-first-subway-back-in-the-1970s/ |access-date=2024-07-20 |website=Caught (up) in traffic |language=en}}

It was also proposed to be part of the 1977 Metro Manila Transport, Land Use and Development Planning Project (MMETROPLAN), which was funded by the World Bank. However, the plan was not included and implemented, for some of the areas included in the plan, such as Marikina and Cainta, are prone to flooding.{{cite news |author=Garcia, Cathy Rose |date=September 19, 2013 |title=Why gov't rejected subway for Metro Manila in the 1970s |url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/business/09/19/13/why-ph-govt-rejected-subway-proposal-1970s |work=ABS-CBN News |access-date=May 31, 2022 |archive-date=2020-01-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200125033511/https://news.abs-cbn.com/business/09/19/13/why-ph-govt-rejected-subway-proposal-1970s |url-status=live }}{{cite news |author=Palafox, Felino A. Jr. |author-link=Felino Palafox |title=1977 plan still remains to be carried out |url=https://www.manilatimes.net/2015/06/03/opinion/columnists/1977-plan-still-remains-to-be-carried-out/188936/ |work=The Manila Times |access-date=April 20, 2017 |date=June 3, 2015 |archive-date=June 10, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200610150841/https://www.manilatimes.net/2015/06/03/opinion/columnists/1977-plan-still-remains-to-be-carried-out/188936/ |url-status=dead }} Instead, what was built was the LRT Line 1, opened on December 1, 1984, and completed on May 12, 1985. According to Felino Palafox, the LRT was the most feasible transport system at that time. Nevertheless, the current Manila Light Rail Transit System (mostly elevated) is shorter than the line system forwarded in 1973.{{cite web|last1=Jose|first1=Ricardo|last2=Mabazza|first2=Daniel|last3=Lagman|first3=Marco Stefan|last4=Villasper|first4=Jonathan|title=Planning Metro Manila's Mass Transit System|url=http://www.dynamicglobalsoft.com/easts2015/program/pdf_files/1224.pdf|access-date=April 20, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170420145940/http://www.dynamicglobalsoft.com/easts2015/program/pdf_files/1224.pdf|archive-date=April 20, 2017|url-status=dead}}

In 1995, the Mexican firm Grupo ICA, which also experienced Mexico City Metro, was in talks with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to build a subway in the Philippines.{{Cite news |date=August 3, 1995 |title=Mexicans seek Philippine subway project partners |work=UPI}} In 1998, the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC, later DOTr) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with JK International Ltd. to conduct a feasibility study of a subway project; a route would have been linked between Port of Manila and NAIA.{{Cite news |date=February 16, 1998 |title=P6-B telecom bidding reset for Feb. 23 |work=Manila Standard |pages=5}} In 2001, Italian firms Grandi Lavori Fincosit and Societa Esecuzione Lavori Idraulici signed an agreement with the DOTC, for a MOU. The {{convert|10|km|mi|sp=us|adj=mid|-long}} tunnel section of the subway would connect Bonifacio Global City (BGC), going through EDSA and connecting the Ortigas, Greenhills, and Shaw Boulevard commercial centers.{{Cite web |last=Admin |first=Cms |date=2001-01-05 |title=Agreement signed for Manila metro |url=https://www.tunnelsandtunnelling.com/news/agreement-signed-for-manila-metro/ |access-date=2024-08-09 |website=Tunnels |language=en-US}} However, when former President Joseph Estrada resigned from office in the same year, the project never materialized.

The project was proposed once more in the 2014 Metro Manila Dream Plan as a {{convert|57.7|km|mi|sp=us|adj=on}} line that would serve as the second north–south mass transit backbone for the newly expanded Greater Capital Region (the first being the North–South Commuter Railway). The Metro Manila Dream Plan (formally titled the Roadmap for Transport Infrastructure Development for Metro Manila and Its Surrounding Areas) is an integrated plan, created on the basis of recommendations from a study conducted by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).{{cite news | last = Dela Paz | first = C. J. V. | title = Plan seeks to untangle gridlock | newspaper = Business World | location = New Manila, Quezon City, Philippines | publisher = BusinessWorld Publishing Corporation | date = September 2, 2014 | url = http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=TopStory&title=plan-seeks-to-untangle-gridlock&id=93883 | access-date = September 18, 2014 | archive-date = November 28, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20191128124811/http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=TopStory&title=plan-seeks-to-untangle-gridlock&id=93883 | url-status = live }} It was approved by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board in June 2014, to last until 2030. The program aims to improve the transport system in Metro Manila, Philippines, with the hope of turning it into a focal point for addressing Metro Manila's interlinked problems in the areas of transportation, land use, and environment.{{cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJ9F2Fnweuo |title=(The Philippines) Mega Manila Infrastructure Roadmap (Long Ver.) |date=June 10, 2014 |publisher=Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Republic of the Philippines National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) |work=JICAChannel02: The Official Global Channel of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)}}{{cite report |date=September 2014 |title=Main Points of the Roadmap |url=https://www.jica.go.jp/philippine/english/office/topics/news/c8h0vm00008wr871-att/140902_01.pdf |publisher=Japan International Cooperation Agency |access-date=May 5, 2017 |archive-date=February 6, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210206081659/https://www.jica.go.jp/philippine/english/office/topics/news/c8h0vm00008wr871-att/140902_01.pdf |url-status=live }}

In September of that year, British subway contractor Arup presented its profile to the DOTC in case the agency decides to build a subway system in Metro Manila, an official of the Makati Business Club said.{{Cite web |title=PH subway proposed |url=https://ppp.gov.ph/in_the_news/ph-subway-proposed/}} Applied Planning & Infrastructure Inc., in association with MKL Associates, proposed a version of the subway plan and conducted a business case as a private initiative for the project known as the Manila Central Subway. They lay out the definite alignment of the first {{cvt|150|km}}, approximate the next 150 km, and guess the last {{cvt|82|km}}; the first 150 km are to be further subdivided into workable segments of {{cvt|30|to|40|km}} each. Locate optimal sites for subway stations and determine their basic requirements at least for the first 150 km; hire top-level consultants to prepare detailed engineering designs for the initial 150 km of tubes and various stations, optimal performance standards, environmental impact, economic and social benefits, value for money, and geotechnical and other technical analyses. The proposed lines are: the red line would run from North Triangle Common Station to Mall of Asia, while the extensions would lead to Tutuban and Taft Avenue MRT station; the brown line would connect NLEX in Valenzuela to FTI (using the same alignment as MMS Phase 1), and the extension would lead to Alabang; the blue line express would run along between the two lines; and finally, the green line would connect from Manila Bay to Tikling Junction, while the extensions would lead to Taytay and Holy Spirit, Quezon City.{{Cite web |title=Review of Business Case for Manila Central Subway |url=https://www.aninver.com/projects/review-of-business-case-for-manila-central-subway |website=Aninver}}{{Cite news |last=Sicat |first=Glicerio V. |date=2014-10-26 |title=Subway to solve Manila traffic woes |url=https://opinion.inquirer.net/79601/subway-to-solve-manila-traffic-woes |access-date=2024-07-15 |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |language=en}}

A year later, JICA published an information collection survey for the project, and the subway was to have {{convert|59|km|sp=us}} of route from Caloocan to Dasmarinas, Cavite, and the C4 route is the most suitable option. Meanwhile, the first phase is {{convert|22.6|km|sp=us}} from Mindanao Avenue and Quirino Highway in Quezon City to FTI in Taguig; Phase 2 leads to Bagong Silang, Caloocan, {{convert|10.2|km|sp=us}} up north; and Governor's Drive, Dasmarinas, is {{convert|26.1|km|sp=us}}. Also, the intermodal terminal building was to be located at Market! Market! in BGC and to cater buses, jeepneys, and taxis at this terminal.{{Cite web |date=September 2015 |title=Information Collection Survey for the Mega Manila Subway Project in the Republic of the Philippines: Final Report |url=https://openjicareport.jica.go.jp/pdf/12244661_01.pdf |website=Japan International Cooperation Agency}}

In 2015, the National Economic and Development Authority approved the construction of the Makati-Pasay-Taguig Mass Transit System Loop Line 5 (MTSL Line 5), which would have been a {{convert|20|km|mi|sp=us|adj=mid|-long}} underground railway from BGC to Taft Avenue, as identified in the JICA study, with two options: 32nd Street or 26th Street. Despite the fact that the route is {{convert|11|km|mi|sp=us}} long, it passes through the central business districts. The project was to be funded through the public-private partnership scheme, but after former President Benigno Aquino III stepped down from office, the project stalled and was revived again by his successor, Rodrigo Duterte.{{Cite web |last=Paz |first=Chrisee De La |date=2015-11-04 |title=Makati-Pasay-Taguig subway auction targeted for next gov't |url=https://www.rappler.com/business/industries/111711-makati-pasay-taguig-subway-bid-next-administration/ |access-date=2024-05-19 |website=Rappler |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Paz |first=Chrisee De La |date=2016-08-18 |title=Duterte admin revives plan to build Metro Manila subway |url=https://www.rappler.com/business/industries/143438-proposal-build-metro-manila-subway/ |access-date=2024-07-15 |website=Rappler |language=en-US}} In January 2017, JICA was keen on developing a MTSL project, and in the same year, the Metro Manila Subway (then known as the Mega Manila Subway) was launched and included in the administration's Build! Build! Build! program.{{Cite news |title=JICA keen on funding Metro Manila subway |url=https://ppp.gov.ph/in_the_news/jica-keen-on-funding-metro-manila-subway/}}{{Cite web |last=Morallo |first=Audrey |title=13 stations of the Mega Manila subway unveiled |url=https://www.philstar.com/nation/2017/04/20/1688503/13-stations-mega-manila-subway-unveiled |access-date=2024-07-15 |website=Philstar.com}}{{Cite web |last=Yee |first=Jovic |date=2017-04-18 |title=Duterte, Abe to sign deal paving for Mega Manila subway |url=https://globalnation.inquirer.net/155017/duterte-abe-set-sign-deal-paving-mega-manila-subway |access-date=2024-07-15 |website=INQUIRER.net |language=en}}{{Cite news |title=Philequity Corner (April 24, 2017) By Wilson Sy |url=https://www.philequity.net/uploadedfile/20170424084443344_Philequity%20Corner%20-%20042417%20-%20%20Build.pdf}}

In August of that year, JICA published the preparatory survey for the project, which means the alignment would have run {{convert|25|km|mi|sp=us}} from Quirino Highway to FTI, with the alignment along C-5. The alignment did not have an alignment going to NAIA before it was revised.

The development of the project was approved by the Investment Coordination Committee (ICC) board of the National Economic and Development Authority on September 6, subject to secondary approval by the NEDA Board. The development was approved by the NEDA Board headed by President Duterte six days later.{{cite news |last=Dela Paz |first=Chrisee |date=September 13, 2017 |title=NEDA Board approves Manila subway, longest railway |url=https://www.rappler.com/business/181950-neda-board-approval-metro-manila-subway-pnr-railways |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170914220209/https://www.rappler.com/business/181950-neda-board-approval-metro-manila-subway-pnr-railways |archive-date=September 14, 2017 |access-date=May 21, 2022 |work=Rappler}} On March 16, 2018, the Philippine and Japanese governments signed a loan agreement for the subway. The first tranche of the official development assistance from JICA amounted to ¥104.5 billion ({{Philippine peso|51.3 billion}}). The second tranche of the loan, signed on February 10, 2022, amounted to ¥253.3 billion ({{Philippine peso|112.1 billion}}). On March 26, 2024, the third tranche of the loan was signed, amounting to ¥150 billion ({{Philippine peso|55.37 billion}}).{{cite news |last1= Cordero|first1=Ted |title=Philippines, Japan sign ¥150-B third tranche loan for Metro Manila subway|url= https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/901725/philippines-japan-sign-yen-150-b-third-tranche-loan-for-metro-manila-subway/story/|accessdate=April 5, 2024 |publisher=GMA Integrated News |date=March 26, 2024}}

In June 2018, soil testing was conducted along the alignment. In the same month, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) decided that the subway would not pass along the fault line because the West Valley Fault passes along C-5 road in Taguig.{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kzCScm4k64 |title=Bandila: Subway project, hindi dadaan sa West Valley Fault: Phivolcs |date=2018-06-21 |last=ABS-CBN News |language=tagalog |trans-title=Subway project will not cross through West Valley Fault |access-date=2024-07-22 |via=YouTube}} The following November, OC Global, a Japanese consortium consisting of Oriental Consultants Global Co. Ltd., Tokyo Metro Co. Ltd., Katahira & Engineers International, Pacific Consultants Co Ltd., Tonichi Engineering Consultants, Inc., and Metro Development Co. Ltd., was appointed as the project consultant.{{cite news |url=https://businessmirror.com.ph/government-awards-p11-billion-subway-contract-to-japanese-group/ |title=Government awards P11-billion subway contract to Japanese group |last=Nicolas |first=Bernadette D. |work=BusinessMirror |access-date=December 8, 2018 |date=November 22, 2018 |archive-date=December 9, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181209125852/https://businessmirror.com.ph/government-awards-p11-billion-subway-contract-to-japanese-group/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last=Caraballo |first=Mayvelin U. |date=November 22, 2018 |title=Japanese consortium bags subway contract |url=https://www.manilatimes.net/2018/11/22/business/business-top/japanese-consortium-bags-subway-contract/471417 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181209124341/https://www.manilatimes.net/japanese-consortium-bags-subway-contract/471417/ |archive-date=December 9, 2018 |access-date=December 20, 2024 |work=The Manila Times}}

File:Barangay Ugong, Valenzuela City TBM Manila Subway launch.jpg

The Metro Manila Subway broke ground on February 27, 2019.{{Cite news|title=Metro Manila Subway breaks ground|first=Jacque|last=Manabat|url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/business/02/27/19/metro-manila-subway-breaks-ground|work=ABS-CBN News|date=27 February 2019|access-date=23 November 2021|archive-date=November 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211123041406/https://news.abs-cbn.com/business/02/27/19/metro-manila-subway-breaks-ground|url-status=live}}{{cite news |date=February 27, 2019 |title=Konstruksiyon ng Metro Manila Subway sisimulan na |trans-title=Construction of Metro Manila Subway will start |url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/02/27/19/konstruksiyon-ng-metro-manila-subway-sisimulan-na |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190313090335/https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/02/27/19/konstruksiyon-ng-metro-manila-subway-sisimulan-na |archive-date=March 13, 2019 |access-date=March 18, 2019 |work=ABS-CBN News |language=tl}} Ten months later, construction begun its clearing phase in Valenzuela on December 21.{{cite news |last=Talabong |first=Rambo |date=December 21, 2019 |title=Look: Metro Manila Subway construction enters clearing phase |url=http://www.rappler.com/nation/247681-metro-manila-subway-construction-clearing-phase |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191221105228/https://www.rappler.com/nation/247681-metro-manila-subway-construction-clearing-phase |archive-date=December 21, 2019 |access-date=December 21, 2019 |website=Rappler |language=en}}{{cite news |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/metro/719844/dotr-begins-clearing-partial-operability-site-for-metro-manila-subway/story/ |title=DOTr begins clearing 'partial operability' site for Metro Manila subway |last=Cordero |first=Ted |date=December 21, 2019 |work=GMA News Online |language=en-US |access-date=December 21, 2019 |archive-date=December 21, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191221105219/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/metro/719844/dotr-begins-clearing-partial-operability-site-for-metro-manila-subway/story/ |url-status=live }} As part of the initial partial operability section (the Qurino Highway, the Tandang Sora, and the North Avenue stations), the first three stations will be built alongside the Philippine Railways Institute (PRI), the country's first-ever railway training center.

Massive tunnel boring machines were to be employed for the project. In September 2020, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) presented one of the six tunnel boring machines in an acceptance test ceremony through a video conference.{{Cite news|title=Tunnel boring machines for Metro Manila subway to arrive in early 2021 – DOTr|url=https://rappler.com/nation/tunnel-boring-machines-metro-manila-subway-arrive-early-2021-dotr|access-date=2020-09-06|work=Rappler|language=en|archive-date=September 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200922162715/https://rappler.com/nation/tunnel-boring-machines-metro-manila-subway-arrive-early-2021-dotr|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|last=Ramos|first=Mariejo S.|date=2020-09-05|title=Metro Manila subway project 'early Christmas gift' to Filipinos — Tugade|url=https://business.inquirer.net/306706/metro-manila-subway-project-early-christmas-gift-to-filipinos-tugade|access-date=2020-09-06|newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer|language=en|archive-date=September 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200906204335/https://business.inquirer.net/306706/metro-manila-subway-project-early-christmas-gift-to-filipinos-tugade|url-status=live}} The first of 25 tunnel boring machines that will be used for the subway's construction was unveiled on February 5, 2021.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bworldonline.com/deployment-of-25-tunnel-boring-machines-signals-big-push-for-subway-completion/|title=Deployment of 25 tunnel-boring machines signals big push for subway completion|work=BusinessWorld|first=Arjay L.|last=Balinbin|date=February 5, 2021|access-date=February 7, 2021|archive-date=February 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210206050038/https://www.bworldonline.com/deployment-of-25-tunnel-boring-machines-signals-big-push-for-subway-completion/|url-status=live}}

On November 11, 2021, a groundbreaking ceremony was held at Camp Aguinaldo to mark the start of pre-construction activities at the Camp Aguinaldo station.{{Cite news|title=Prep works for Metro Manila Subway at Camp Aguinaldo begins|first=Raymond Carl|last=Dela Cruz|date=November 11, 2021|url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1159464|work=Philippine News Agency|access-date=2021-11-23|archive-date=November 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211123014345/https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1159464|url-status=live}} Meanwhile, the Ortigas and Shaw stations broke ground on October 3, 2022.{{Cite news|title=2 Manila Subway stations break ground |first=Emmie V. |last=Abadilla |url=https://mb.com.ph/2022/10/03/2-manila-subway-stations-break-ground/ |work=Manila Bulletin |date=2022-10-03 |access-date=2022-10-03}} Work on the Katipunan and Anonas stations began on February 13, 2023.{{Cite news|title=Construction work starts on MMSP's Anonas and Camp Aguinaldo stations |first=Lorenz S. |last=Marasigan |work=BusinessMirror |url=https://businessmirror.com.ph/2023/02/13/construction-work-starts-on-mmsps-anonas-and-camp-aguinaldo-stations/ |date=2023-02-13 |access-date=2023-02-14}}

The underground and tunnel boring works for the subway were slated to start by the fourth quarter of 2021, but was delayed.{{Cite news |url=https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2021/4/27/Subway-line-Q4-excavation.html |title=Underground work for Metro Manila subway to start in Q4 |website=CNN Philippines |author= |date=April 27, 2021 |access-date=May 1, 2021 |archive-date=May 1, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210501131220/https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2021/4/27/Subway-line-Q4-excavation.html |url-status=dead }} The first tunnel boring machine was ceremonially lowered on June 12, 2022,{{Cite news|first=Daniza |last=Fernandez |title= Duterte leads commissioning of BRP Melchora Aquino, lowering of subway tunnel boring machine |url= https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1609693/duterte-leads-commissioning-of-brp-melchora-aquino-lowering-of-ncr-subways-tunnel-boring-machine |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |date=June 12, 2022 |access-date=June 12, 2022}} while underground tunnel works began on January 9, 2023.{{Cite news|title=Tunneling on P488.5-B Metro Manila Subway starts today |date=January 9, 2023 |first=Emmie V. |last=Abadilla |work=Manila Bulletin |url=https://mb.com.ph/2023/01/09/tunneling-on-p488-5-b-metro-manila-subway-starts-today/ |access-date=January 9, 2023}}

The line was originally slated to begin partial operations by 2022.{{cite news |url=http://business.inquirer.net/247759/1st-3-metro-manila-subway-stations-seen-operational-2022 |title=1st 3 Metro Manila subway stations seen operational by 2022 |last=Vera |first=Ben O. de |access-date=April 3, 2018 |date=March 16, 2018 |archive-date=April 3, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180403173619/http://business.inquirer.net/247759/1st-3-metro-manila-subway-stations-seen-operational-2022 |url-status=live }} However, in April 2022, the DOTr delayed this to 2025, with full operations by 2027, as the COVID-19 pandemic hindered construction. On July 10, 2023, the DOTr scrapped its plan to begin partial operations by 2027, opting instead to fully open the subway by 2029.{{Cite news|title=DOTr eyes full ops of Metro Manila Subway in 2029, scraps 2027 partial opening |first=Jacque |last=Manabat |work=ABS-CBN News |date=July 10, 2023 |url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/business/07/10/23/dotr-eyes-full-ops-of-metro-manila-subway-in-2029 |access-date=June 4, 2024}} Challenges related to right of way acquisition have hindered construction progress, with completion as of June 2024 at only 14%.{{Cite news|title=Metro Manila Subway, fully operational na sa 2029 |first=Mer |last=Layson |work=The Philippine Star |language=fil |date=May 22, 2024 |access-date=June 4, 2024 |url=https://www.philstar.com/pang-masa/police-metro/2024/05/22/2356890/metro-manila-subway-fully-operational-na-sa-2029}} An interagency committee for the two railway projects was established to address issues with the project's alignment.{{Cite web |date=2024-10-04 |title=Gov't forms body to resolve right-of-way woes of 2 flagship railway projects  |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/money/economy/922654/gov-t-forms-body-to-resolve-right-of-way-woes-of-2-flagship-railway-projects/story/?amp |access-date= |website=GMA Integrated News}} However, during the administration of Bongbong Marcos, it was revealed that these projects, including the subway, were unlikely to be completed by the end of his term in 2028 due to right of way issues, with partial operations anticipated for 2032.

The subway is estimated to be {{convert|33|km|sp=us}} long. The project involves the construction of 17 stations in its first phase (listed from north to south):{{cite web |last1=Yu |first1=Lance Spencer |title=MAP: Metro Manila Subway stations |url=https://www.rappler.com/business/map-metro-manila-subway-stations/ |website=Rappler |access-date=3 May 2024 |date=8 March 2024}}

| Parañaque

|-

! colspan="6" | NAIA extension spur line{{Cite news |last=Dela Paz |first=Chrisee |date=September 6, 2017 |title=$7-B Metro Manila subway to be extended to NAIA |url=https://www.rappler.com/business/181318-neda-metro-manila-subway-project-extension-naia/ |access-date=May 29, 2022 |work=Rappler}}

|-

|NAIA Terminal 3

| —

| —

| District 1

| style="text-align: left" | {{Collapsible list |title=

| rowspan=1 | Pasay

|-

! colspan="6" |{{nobold|Stations, lines, and/or other transport connections in italics are either under construction, proposed, unopened, or have been closed.}}

|}

The following phases of the subway project would involve extending lines up to San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, north of Metro Manila ({{convert|15.4|km|sp=us|disp=or}} from General Luis Avenue in Caloocan), and down to Dasmariñas, Cavite, south of Metro Manila ({{convert|20.7|km|sp=us|disp=or}} from the proposed Ninoy Aquino International Airport station). The entire system, when completed, will serve up to 1.74 million passengers daily.{{cite web|title=Roadmap for Transport Infrastructure Development for Metro Manila and Its Surrounding Areas (Region III and Region IV-A): SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT ON MEGA MANILA SUBWAY PROJECT|url=http://www.neda.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/FR-SUP-REP-2.-MEGA-MNL-SUBWAY.-12149654.pdf|website=National Economic and Development Authority|access-date=April 20, 2017|archive-date=November 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112033109/https://www.neda.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/FR-SUP-REP-2.-MEGA-MNL-SUBWAY.-12149654.pdf|url-status=live}}

The initial plan was later modified in June 2020, with DOTr adding the East Valenzuela, Lawton, and Senate stations.{{cite news |title=Gov't adds more stations to Metro Manila subway |url=https://www.bworldonline.com/govt-adds-more-stations-to-metro-manila-subway/ |author=Balinbin, Arjay L. |date=June 2, 2020 |work=BusinessWorld |access-date=June 2, 2020 |archive-date=June 14, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200614164107/https://www.bworldonline.com/govt-adds-more-stations-to-metro-manila-subway/ |url-status=live }} The East Valenzuela station will be located in the subway's depot, while the Lawton and Senate stations replaced the Cayetano Boulevard station. However, these modifications are subject to the approval of NEDA and JICA.

DOTr and JICA also propose a physical connection and interoperability between the North–South Commuter Railway and MMS. It proposes MMS rolling stock to switch over to the at-grade NSCR-South tracks around the {{stn|FTI}} area, via a physical connection of the tracks and electrical supply, and operate through services to NSCR-South stations from {{stn|Bicutan}} towards {{stn|Calamba}} and vice versa.{{cite report |date=October 2018 |title=Feasibility Study on the North South Railway Project-South Line (Commuter) in the Republic of the Philippines: DRAFT FINAL REPORT |url=https://www.jica.go.jp/english/our_work/social_environmental/id/asia/southeast/philippines/c8h0vm0000bk9u4d-att/c8h0vm0000dhvs1p.pdf |publisher=Japan International Cooperation Agency |access-date=March 17, 2019 |archive-date=April 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210411032614/https://www.jica.go.jp/english/our_work/social_environmental/id/asia/southeast/philippines/c8h0vm0000bk9u4d-att/c8h0vm0000dhvs1p.pdf |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Camus |first1=Miguel R. |title=Metro Manila subway, North-South railway set to be linked physically |url=https://business.inquirer.net/323937/metro-manila-subway-north-south-railway-set-to-be-linked-physically |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |date=1 June 2021 |language=en |access-date=3 May 2022 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210531222122/https://business.inquirer.net/323937/metro-manila-subway-north-south-railway-set-to-be-linked-physically |archive-date=2021-05-31}}

The line will be the fourth heavy rail line in the country, after LRT Line 2, MRT Line 7, and the North–South Commuter Railway, and the first to be mostly underground. It is designed to run trains at {{convert|80|km/h|sp=us}}. The tunnel diameter inside and outside is projected to be {{convert|5.2|m|sp=us}} and {{convert|5.65|m|sp=us}}, respectively. Since there are estimates of an expected magnitude-7.2 earthquake (which can be as powerful as magnitude 7.6) in the Marikina Valley Fault System,{{cite journal|url=http://www.bssaonline.org/content/90/1/73.abstract|title=Multiple Large Earthquakes in the Past 1500 Years on a Fault in Metropolitan Manila, the Philippines|first1=Alan R.|last1=Nelson|first2=Stephen F.|last2=Personius|first3=Rolly E.|last3=Rimando|first4=Raymundo S.|last4=Punongbayan|first5=Norman|last5=Tungol|first6=Hannah|last6=Mirabueno|first7=Ariel|last7=Rasdas|year=2000|journal=Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America|publisher=Seismological Society of America|volume=90|issue=1|page=84|doi=10.1785/0119990002|bibcode=2000BuSSA..90...73N |access-date=April 20, 2017|archive-date=August 20, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170820083908/http://www.bssaonline.org/content/90/1/73.abstract|url-status=live}} it is designed to withstand a magnitude-8.0 earthquake. In addition, it may not be entirely underground. Assessment of the environmental and geographical considerations in the base alignment (initially {{convert|74.6|km|sp=us|disp=or}} long) recommends 18% of the line to be at-grade and 9% to be running through viaduct. Prior to final approval, some adjustments to the alignment were done so that it would reduce the risk of damage during earthquakes by travelling along solid adobe ground.

On September 5, 2020, in response to questions, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade provided assurances that the system would be flood-proof.{{cite news |url=https://business.inquirer.net/306673/dotr-assures-metro-manila-subway-will-be-flood-proof |title=DOTr says Metro Manila Subway will be flood-proof |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |date=September 5, 2020 |access-date=December 5, 2020 |archive-date=September 22, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200922005058/https://business.inquirer.net/306673/dotr-assures-metro-manila-subway-will-be-flood-proof |url-status=live }}

File:North_Avenue_Station_Metro_Manila_Subway_Project_Phase_1_CP101_15.jpg

The stations would have design features such as water-stop panels, a high-level entrance for flood prevention, earthquake detection, and a train stop system, akin to the Tokyo subway.{{cite news |url=https://mb.com.ph/2019/02/26/36-km-p355-6-b-metro-subway-launched/ |title=36-km P355.6-B Metro subway launched |work=Manila Bulletin |language=en-US |access-date=June 2, 2022 |author=Abadilla, Emmie V. |date=February 26, 2019}} Full-height platform screen doors will also be built in the stations.

The line will feature passing loops at some stations to allow express trains to overtake local trains.

Seven of the proposed stations, namely {{stn|NAIA Terminal 3}}, {{stn|Bicutan}}, {{stn|Senate}}, {{stn|Lawton}}, {{stn|Katipunan|3=Line 9}}, {{stn|Quezon Avenue|3=Line 9}} and North Avenue stations will be built on government property in order to boost property values in the surrounding areas.{{cite news |url=http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1063770 |title=6 subway stations to rise on gov't properties |work=Philippine News Agency |access-date=March 8, 2019 |date=March 6, 2019 |author=Pateña, Aerol John |archive-date=November 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211111120828/https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1063770 |url-status=live }}

The line will use a moving block signalling system based on communications-based train control (CBTC), which is the first railway line in the Philippines to use a moving block/CBTC system. Its subsystems include automatic train protection (ATP), automatic train operation (ATO), automatic train supervision (ATS), train detection through track circuits, and computer-based interlocking.{{Cite report|title=Part 2 – Employer's Requirements|url=https://ps-philgeps.gov.ph/home/images/BAC/ForeignAssitedProjects/2019/PH-P267/CP106/00_CP106_P2_S(VI)_SOW_ER(ERG)_12%20Dec%202019_FINAL%20(PA).pdf|work=METRO MANILA SUBWAY PROJECT PHASE 1 Package CP106: E&M Systems and Track Works|publisher=Department of Transportation (Philippines)|access-date=February 14, 2022|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210430005224/https://ps-philgeps.gov.ph/home/images/BAC/ForeignAssitedProjects/2019/PH-P267/CP106/00_CP106_P2_S(VI)_SOW_ER(ERG)_12%20Dec%202019_FINAL%20(PA).pdf|archive-date=April 30, 2021}} Nippon Signal will provide their SPARCS CBTC signalling solution for the line.

Two types of rails will be employed in the subway: {{convert|60|kg/m|sp=us|adj=on}} rails will be employed in the mainline while {{convert|50|kg/m|sp=us|adj=on}} rails will be employed in the depot. The rails in the mainline will consist of continuous welded rails while the rails in the depot will be jointed rails with fishplates. The tracks will be supported by concrete sleepers except for the turnouts which will be supported by plastic/fiber-reinforced foam urethane railroad ties.

The Metro Manila Subway will use Sustina electric multiple units built by the Sumitomo Corporation and Japan Transport Engineering Company (J-TREC).{{Cite news |first=Arjay |last=Balinbin |title=J-Trec group bids for subway train sets |url=https://www.bworldonline.com/j-trec-group-bids-for-subway-train-sets/ |work=BusinessWorld |date=July 28, 2020 |url-status=live |access-date=August 13, 2020 |archive-date=August 14, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200814002823/https://www.bworldonline.com/j-trec-group-bids-for-subway-train-sets/ }} The same type has been ordered by the Philippine National Railways for its North–South Commuter Railway project as the PNR EM10000 class.{{Cite web |title=Order Received to Supply 240 Train Cars for Philippines' Metro Manila Subway |url=https://www.sumitomocorp.com/en/jp/news/release/2020/group/14170 |website=Sumitomo Corporation |date=December 21, 2020 |access-date=March 6, 2021 |archive-date=January 23, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210123074917/https://www.sumitomocorp.com/en/jp/news/release/2020/group/14170 |url-status=live }} Hitachi, along with Sumitomo and Mitsubishi, bought bid documents for the design, execution, and completion of 30 train sets in February 2020.{{Cite web |last=CEDTyClea |date=2020-02-23 |title=More firms eye bidding for Manila subway contracts |url=https://www.bworldonline.com/editors-picks/2020/02/24/279991/more-firms-eye-bidding-for-manila-subway-contracts/ |access-date=2024-07-17 |website=BusinessWorld Online |language=en-US}} An order for 240 railcars, arrangeable into thirty 8-car trainsets, has been finalized by the Department of Transportation on December 21.{{Cite news |first=Raymond |last=Dela Cruz |title=DOTr orders 240 train cars for Metro Manila Subway |url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1125375 |date=December 21, 2020 |access-date=December 21, 2020 |archive-date=December 21, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201221122031/https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1125375 |url-status=live }}{{cite press release |url=https://www.j-trec.co.jp/eng/news/070/020/20201221Eng.pdf |title=Order Received to Supply 240 Train Cars for Philippines' Metro Manila Subway |publisher=Japan Transport Engineering Company |date=December 20, 2020 |access-date=April 2, 2021 |archive-date=December 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211219140323/https://www.j-trec.co.jp/eng/news/070/020/20201221Eng.pdf |url-status=live }}

Trains will have a capacity of 2,242 passengers, which is more than the normal capacity of the rolling stock of the existing LRT Line 1, LRT Line 2, MRT Line 3, and the PNR Metro Commuter Line. At its base form, it is about twice longer than the 4-car trains of the LRTA 2000 class being used in the LRT Line 2. According to DOTr Undersecretary Timothy John Batan, each 8-car trainset will ease car traffic in Metro Manila equivalent to 1,300 cars, 220 jeepneys, or 60 buses. It will be powered through 1,500 V DC overhead lines similar to those ordered by PNR.

The line will have a depot in Ugong, Valenzuela, within the vicinity of the East Valenzuela station. It occupies {{convert|4|ha|sp=us}} of space and serves as the headquarters for the operations and maintenance of the line. The trains are parked on several sets of tracks, which converge onto the spur route and later on to the main network.

A {{convert|20,000|sqm|sp=us|adj=on}} building will host the Philippine Railways Institute which will also be built within the depot vicinity. In addition, a {{convert|900|m|ft|sp=us|adj=on}} test track and mock-ups of the tunnels, stations, and wayside equipment will be constructed for training purposes.{{Cite news|title=DOTr, JICA approve curriculum for PH Railway Institute |first=Aerol John |last=Pateña |date=March 1, 2019 |work=Philippine News Agency |url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1063296 |access-date=April 7, 2022 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211120152732/https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1063296 |archive-date=November 20, 2021}}

In the 2023 plan, when the government approves the 194 flagship infrastructure projects, the subway's extension will lead to Bulacan and Cavite. The two routes will cover approximately {{convert|40|km|mi|sp=us}}. Also included in the plan is a {{convert|4|km|mi|sp=us|adj=on}} extension to Asia World, which will connect to the Paranaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) and its namesake LRT-1 station.{{Cite web |title=Infrastructure Flagship Projects (IFPs) under the Build-Better-More Program |url=https://neda.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/IFPs-under-the-Build-Better-More-Program.pdf |access-date=May 23, 2024}} The planned extensions are under study and are expected to be financed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) under the Infrastructure Preparation and Innovation Facility.{{Cite web |title=50288-001: Infrastructure Preparation and Innovation Facility |url=https://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/project-documents/50288/50288-001-pp-en.pdf |access-date=May 23, 2024 |website=Asian Development Bank}}

In February 2023, the DOTr announced a collaboration with JICA to add more subways. At the time, transportation secretary Jaime Bautista said that the subways would be expanded to Cavite, and he also said there would be three to four lines. Although it is in the planning stage, it was announced during the state visit of President Marcos to Japan.{{Cite web |last=Flores |first=Helen |title=DOTr eyes more subway projects in NCR, Cavite |url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/02/12/2244348/dotr-eyes-more-subway-projects-ncr-cavite |access-date=2024-05-23 |date=2023-02-12 |website=Philstar.com}} In the following year, JICA also said there will be future subways, and this time, they also conducted a study for a 30-year railway master plan for the Greater Capital Region.{{Cite web |date=February 27, 2024 |title=More subways eyed as DOTr shows off progress on flagship infra |url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/business/2024/2/26/more-subways-eyed-as-dotr-shows-off-progress-on-flagship-infra-2054 |access-date=May 23, 2024 |website=ABS-CBN News}}

{{reflist|group=note}}

{{reflist}}

{{Commons category}}

• [https://www.jica.go.jp/english/our_work/social_environmental/id/asia/southeast/philippines/c8h0vm00009pabyg.html JICA: The Mega Manila Subway Project]

{{SRTS}}{{Transportation in Metro Manila}}{{Urban Rail Transit in ASEAN}}

R

Category:Proposed public transportation in the Philippines

Category:Rail transportation in Metro Manila

Category:Transportation in Bulacan

Category:Rail transportation in Manila

Category:Transportation in Luzon

Category:1500 V DC railway electrification

Category:Transportation in Metro Manila

Category:Rail transportation in the Philippines

Category:2032 in rail transport