The Makati Intra-city Subway, or MkTr, is poised to revolutionize public transportation in Metro Manila's bustling business district.
Spearheaded through a public-private partnership between the Makati City Government and a consortium led by Philippine Infradev Holdings, this ambitious underground rapid transit line aims to provide efficient connectivity across key areas of Makati.
Makati Subway in Details
- Name: Makati Intra-city Subway
- Status: Construction on-hold
- Owner: Makati City Government
- Line number: 5
- Locale: Makati
- Termini: Amorsolo, Sampaguita
- Stations: 10
- Service Type: Rapid transit
- System: Manila Metro Rail Transit System
- Services: 1
- Operator(s): Philippine Infradev Holdings, Inc.
- Rolling stock: Electric multiple units
- Daily ridership: 700,000 (projected)
- Planned opening: 2025
- Line length: 10 km (6.2 mi)
- Character: Underground
- Track gauge: 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge
- Minimum radius: 300 m (980 ft)
- Electrification: 1,500 V DC overhead lines
- Operating speed: 80 km/h (50 mph)
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Origins and Ambitions
Initiated with much fanfare, the Makati Subway Project was slated for construction commencement in December 2018, under the vision of Makati Mayor Abigail Binay. With an estimated cost of $2.5 billion (₱125 billion), this extensive infrastructure endeavor is projected to serve a staggering 700,000 passengers on a daily basis. Envisioned as a modern marvel, it promises nine strategically located stations, seamlessly integrating with existing transit systems such as the MRT Line 3 and the Pasig River Ferry Service, while also synergizing with the upcoming Metro Manila Subway.
However, the project faced a significant setback in 2023 when the jurisdictional transfer of ten EMBO barangays from Makati to Taguig was finalized. This development necessitated a reevaluation of the project's alignment, as the planned depot and several stations were originally intended for the disputed area. Consequently, construction activities were put on hold pending a revised plan to accommodate the altered territorial landscape.
Route and Connectivity
Spanning a distance of 10 kilometers, the Makati Subway line was initially slated to culminate at the Ayala station, fostering connectivity with the existing MRT Line 3. However, plans were subsequently revised in favor of a new terminus at the Mile Long Property along Amorsolo Street. The proposed route boasts a strategic alignment, linking key destinations within Makati, including the Central Post Office, Circuit Makati, Makati City Hall, Rockwell, Guadalupe, the University of Makati, and Kalayaan Avenue.
Stations and Interchanges
The Makati Subway Project promises a network of nine stations strategically positioned to facilitate seamless transit across the city. Notable interchanges include connections to the Manila MRT at Guadalupe and the forthcoming Metro Manila Subway at the University of Makati station. Additionally, the project aims to integrate with the burgeoning Bus Rapid Transit system along EDSA Carousel, further enhancing accessibility for commuters.
Fares and Ticketing
The upcoming line will use a distance-based fare structure and will be charged 20% to 25% higher than the fares of LRT Line 1 and MRT Line 3. A 25 percent premium will bring the subway's rate to about ₱38 (69 U.S. cents) for 10 stops.
Conception and Construction
Embarking on a journey towards modernizing its transportation infrastructure, the Makati City Government, in collaboration with a consortium led by Philippine Infradev Holdings, initiated preparatory work for the groundbreaking Makati Subway Project on December 12, 2018. This pivotal moment was marked by a ceremonial drilling ceremony held in front of the Makati City Hall, symbolizing the commencement of a transformative endeavor aimed at revolutionizing public transit in Metro Manila.
The signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Makati city government and the consortium, which included prominent Chinese firms such as Greenland Holdings Group, Jiangsu Provincial Construction Group Co. Ltd., and China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd., underscored the project's collaborative nature. This momentous occasion laid the foundation for extensive preparatory work, encompassing soil testing and feasibility studies to ascertain the viability of proposed station locations along the subway line.
As of June 2019, significant progress has been made, with eight out of the ten proposed stations finalized. However, challenges arose with the remaining two stations along Ayala Avenue due to difficulties in securing responses from property owners. In response, proponents entertained the possibility of redirecting the subway towards alternative locations, including the Philippine National Railways Buendia station or the Mile Long property in Legazpi Village.
In July 2019, critical milestones were achieved as soil testing related to the subway was successfully completed, paving the way for further advancements. A joint venture agreement between Philippine Infradev and the Makati LGU further solidified the project's trajectory, signaling a shared commitment to its realization.
By October 2019, plans to relocate the line's terminus to the Mile Long property along Amorsolo Street were finalized, buoyed by favorable soil test results and route diversions. This strategic decision not only optimized project efficiency but also presented the prospect of cost reduction, potentially lowering the project's overall expenses to $2.5 billion.
With construction activities on the horizon, the project attained significant momentum. Environmental compliance clearance was secured from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, setting the stage for imminent commencement of construction works.
On July 20, 2020, a significant milestone was reached with the signing and awarding of the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contract to China Construction Second Engineering Bureau Ltd. (CCSEB) and Shanghai Electric Automation Group. The groundbreaking ceremony for Station 3's transit-oriented development further underscored the project's tangible progress, marking a transition from preparatory phases to substantive construction activities.
Amidst property acquisitions and demolition efforts to clear construction sites, the project's timeline continued to take shape. The acquisition of properties near Makati City Hall and the assembly of the tunnel boring machine at Station 5 exemplified the project's multifaceted approach towards execution.
Looking ahead, the Makati Subway Project holds immense promise for revolutionizing public transit in the Philippines. Despite challenges posed by territorial disputes and logistical complexities, stakeholders remain committed to realizing this transformative vision.
ATTRACTIONS TO SEE IN MANILA
Klook.comDespite the setbacks encountered, Mayor Abigail Binay remains steadfast in her commitment to realizing the Makati Subway Project. As efforts continue to realign the project and address logistical challenges, stakeholders are optimistic about the transformative impact this innovative transit system will have on easing congestion and enhancing mobility within Makati.
In conclusion, the Makati Subway Project stands as a testament to the city's vision for progressive urban development and sustainable transportation solutions. With perseverance and strategic planning, it is poised to emerge as a cornerstone of Metro Manila's evolving transit landscape, catering to the diverse needs of commuters and fostering economic growth in the heart of the Philippines' premier business district.
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