QC studying proposed rail line

MANILA, Philippines -  The Quezon City government is carefully studying a proposal to build a new Metro Rail Transit line in the city. 

In a statement, Mayor Herbert Bautista has ordered a thorough study on the sectors that may be affected by the project before coming to a decision.

The 23-kilometer proposed MRT Line 7 project will have 14 stations, which include North Avenue, Quezon Memorial Circle, University Avenue, Tandang Sora, Don Antonio, Batasan, Manggahan, Doña Imelda, Regalado Avenue, Mindanao Avenue, Quirino and Sacred Heart in Quezon City; Tala in Caloocan City and Araneta in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan. 

“We must also know how many drivers will be disenfranchised, or how many will lose their means to earn a living first,” Bautista said after an executive staff meeting.

Bautista noted that the city government should have a say on the locations of terminals or stations within its jurisdiction to be able to promote Quezon City’s target growth areas. Senior adviser to the mayor Dr. Manuel Alba said the city government has a better knowledge of the situation in the target areas.

Alba added that it would be better to have the proposed rail system connect Quezon City to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport or other airports to attract more tourists.