Palace, DOTr map upgrades to train system

The Department of Transportation and Malacañang Palace discussed planned improvements to the country’s rail system during a meeting on Tuesday.

In a press briefing, Palace spokesperson Claire Castro said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez are implementing upgrades to the national train network.

These include the rehabilitation of the MRT-3 Quezon Avenue Station, the rollout of cashless payment systems for MRT-3, LRT-1, and LRT-2, as well as repairs to the Dalian train sets.

Castro said six Dalian trains are scheduled for production, which will add more coaches and help ease passenger congestion.

The partial operation of the North-South Commuter Railway and MRT-7 is expected to begin in 2027. Meanwhile, a demonstration run for the Metro Manila Subway is scheduled for 2028, with full operations planned thereafter.

Castro said Marcos has directed the DOTr to prioritize commuter welfare, ensure facilities are properly maintained, and keep train services running on time.

She added that the administration is also processing a proposal to extend vehicle registration validity from three to five years.