Makati Subway mulls linkage with Metro Manila Subway

MANILA, Philippines — The Makati Subway project may be linked to the planned Metro Manila Subway to cater to as many commuters and motorists as possible.

Makati City Mayor Abigail Binay said the Makati Subway System is not yet a closed loop and will take into consideration the Metro Manila Subway Project as well as existing bus stops in and outside the city.

“It is not yet a closed loop. That is one of the conditions of the Department of Public Works and Highways. That way, we could take into consideration the Metro Manila Subway, and even in the feasibility study, we take into consideration the bus stops,” Binay said.

This would make the Makati Subway easily accessible to as many motorists as possible, Binay said. 

“We want as many motorists as possible to avail of the subway so the stops should be very crucial and strategic,” she said.

The Makati Subway Project is a public-private partnership between Makati City and listed Philippine Infradev Holdings Inc. 

The $3.5 billion project, to be known as MkTr, is touted as the biggest PPP project for a local government unit and is a 10-kilometer railway system to be built in Makati.

The proposed subway would connect key points in Makati such as the current Central Business District along Ayala Avenue, the Makati City Hall, the Poblacion Heritage Site, the University of Makati, Ospital ng Makati and the other new business districts within the city. 

It will have up to 10 air-conditioned, underground island stations.

Binay said that given its high-impact benefits, the Makati Subway can be a catalyst for inclusive and sustainable economic growth and social progress not just in Makati, but throughout the country.

Makati residents will be tapped for the construction and the project will also employ senior citizens once the subway is operational by 2025.

“Through a PPP agreement with a consortium of private corporations led by Philippine Infradev Holdings, Inc., the 10-kilometer subway will soon be built in our city and will provide jobs to thousands of residents during construction. We also have an agreement that once the subway becomes fully operational in 2025, even senior citizens who are fit to work will be hired,” Binay said. 

It is envisioned to complement the mass transport projects of the national government as it would be connected to the MRT stations, the proposed Metro Manila Mega Subway and the Pasig River ferry. It would also connect key points of the city and would effectively ease traffic in the country’s financial district.