IRC executives with Makati Mayor Abby Binay (8th from left) and former Vice President Jejomar Binay (extreme right) lead the ceremonial drilling and capsule laying for the Makati subway project in front of the old city hall building. Contributed photo
MANILA, Philippines — The Makati subway system project, which is hoped to help alleviate traffic congestion in the country’s financial district, will be completed on time, Mayor Abby Binay said during the ceremonial drilling for the project on Wednesday.
“I believe the Makati Subway will be a very valuable legacy, and I am fully committed to its timely completion and operation,” Binay said.
The subway system has been set for completion in 2025.
READ: Construction of Makati City subway system to start in December
“It will make a lasting positive impact on the lives of our residents, and contribute significantly to the city’s sustainable development and economic growth,” she added.
The subway system is eyed to ease traffic congestion as well as parking woes in the city.
It is also seen as a way to increase work productivity by cutting down the daily commute or travel time of workers.
According to Binay, the intra-city subway system is expected to create around 6,000 new jobs during its construction and when it starts operations.
The subway stations will have at least 30 station entrances linked to destinations across Makati.
The subway line will connect business districts along Ayala Avenue, Makati City Hall, Poblacion Heritage Site, University of Makati, Ospital ng Makati, and other business zones in the city.
She noted that the subway system will serve up to 27,000 passengers per hour per direction and will have an 18-hour operational cycle.
It is expected to have a three to six-minute train arrival interval on the first year of its operations with 12 operational trains, Binay added.
The entire system will span 10 kilometers with a train yard, maintenance depot, and central command center at ground level.
The subway project is a joint venture between the Makati City government and a consortium of local and foreign investors. /cbb