MRT-7 Partially opens 6 New Stations From Caloocan to QC

If you spend your mornings stuck in the heavy crawl of Commonwealth Avenue traffic, you probably spend a lot of time staring at the concrete rail pillars above your commute. For years, these structures have been a constant part of the landscape, promising a faster way to get to work or school. Recent updates from the Department of Transportation (DOTr) suggest that the wait to actually board one of those trains is getting shorter.

Department of Transportation (DOTr) is now planning to open a specific segment of the Metro Rail Transit 7 (MRT-7) for partial operations. This plan focuses on six key stations that could change the daily routine for thousands of commuters in the north.

MRT-7 list of stations for partial opening

The DOTr is looking at launching a section that connects Quezon City and Caloocan. This initial stretch will run from Sacred Heart in Caloocan down to Tandang Sora in Quezon City. While the full line is not yet finished, this segment aims to move people across these busy areas more efficiently.

Transport Secretary Giovanni Lopez mentioned that the department is currently evaluating how easy it will be for passengers to move between these stations and other modes of transport. The goal is to make sure the transition from the train to the street is smooth for everyone. Because the rest of the line is still under construction, Sacred Heart will serve as the temporary northern endpoint for now.

Also read: Quezon City to Caloocan in Minutes: MRT-7 Sets 2027 Opening Date for 12 Stations

MRT-7 completion date and passenger capacity

^{Image credit: SMC Infrastructure Website}

Construction for the entire project is currently at 83 percent completion. Once this partial segment opens, it is expected to serve between 300,000 and 400,000 passengers every single day. For a person living in Bulacan or Northern Quezon City, this means fewer hours spent in a bus or jeepney and more time at home.

The 22-kilometre elevated railway is being managed by San Miguel Corp. in partnership with a South Korean company. While the full 14-station line connecting San Jose del Monte in Bulacan to North Avenue in Quezon City is expected to be fully operational by the second quarter of 2027, this partial opening acts as a much-needed relief valve for the city's traffic.

North Avenue common station updates and transfers

One of the biggest hurdles remains the common station that links different rail lines. The DOTr recently had to end a contract with a previous builder because of delays in construction and electrical work. They are now looking for a new contractor to get the project back on track.

To make sure commuters can still transfer between the MRT-7, MRT-3, and LRT-1, Secretary Lopez stated that the DOTr will build temporary structures if the permanent signaling systems are not ready in time. This ensures that even if the main station is delayed, passengers can still move safely between the different train lines.

The partial opening of the MRT-7 from Sacred Heart to Tandang Sora is a practical step toward solving the transport crisis in Northern Metro Manila. By focusing on vehicle connectivity and passenger safety, the DOTr aims to reduce travel time for hundreds of thousands of workers. Stay tuned for further announcements on the exact launch date of these six stations to better plan your future commutes.

^{Featured image credit: SMC Infrastructure Website}