Bulacan city mayor bats for MRT-7 realignment


The mayor of a progressive city in the province of Bulacan has sought the realignment of the Metro Rail Transit-7.

San Juan del Monte City Mayor Arthur Robes, in a statement, said that the proposals for the realignment of MRT-7 were the result of effective and inclusive consultations among relevant stakeholders in the city. 

He said they are ready to accept a possible delay in the completion of the massive rapid transit line.

SMC begins work on MRT-7 train depot

MRT-7 train

He said consultations on MRT-7 were conducted by the city government to tackle vital issues that will affect his constituents. These  were  the current and future traffic implications, quality of living, and disruption in the delivery of essential services, among others.

“Our city government consolidated various sentiments from our constituency and we immediately shared it in a meeting with Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista for consideration of the national government and the MRT-7 proponent,” said Robes.

In the meeting, city officials presented the Department of Transportation (DOTr) with various realignment options that will guarantee that the general welfare and interests of San Jose del Monte folk are addressed and protected.

Robes said that the proposed railway route follows Quirino Highway, a key thoroughfare used by a significant number of commuters traveling to and from Metro Manila.

“We have  forwarded options where this essential project can push through while also ensuring that the general welfare of the people of San Jose del Monte is met,” said Robes who bared that the LGU is not part of the negotiations regarding right-of-way issues affecting the project.  

He said affected property owners likely directed their appeal to the DOTr. “We are looking forward to working with the Department of Transportation and San Miguel Corp. (SMC) to fast track the successful completion of this vital infrastructure project,” said Robes.