We earlier shared with you that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Department of Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez had a meeting. And in that meeting, BBM approved the extension of the validity of new-vehicle registrations from three to five years.

Also in that same meeting, Lopez updated the president about the status of our rail systems, in line with the latter’s instructions to prioritize efforts that would benefit commuters.

First, let’s talk about the existing ones. The MRT-3 is undergoing improvements to help its railway operations.

The Quezon Avenue station, for one, is being rehabilitated. Moreover, the MRT administration is continuing to roll out cashless payment systems at MRT-3 stations.

The good news is that these will also be introduced for LRT-1 and LRT-2 this year.

In 2027, the DOTr sees the possibility of partially operating the MRT-7 and the Valenzuela-to-Malolos segment of the North-South Commuter Railway. By 2028, the Malolos-to-Clark phase of the NSCR will also be on partial operations.

As for the Metro Manila Subway, the agency is upbeat that the system will begin its demo run by 2028. If all things fall according to plan, the DOTr believes that the MMS will be in full operation by 2033.

Honestly, the completion and the operations of these undertakings by government are long overdue. However, it’s nice to know that—at least for now—government is acknowledging and prioritizing the convenience of the commuting public.

Here’s hoping these target completion dates won’t be pushed back anew. Our commuters deserve better, and efforts must be made to help and give them access to improved and reliable commuting options.