Much delayed common station

Our country's mass rail system still leaves much to be desired, particularly in terms of interconnectivity.

- MARY ANN LL. REYES

We currently have LRT Lines 1 and 2 and MRT-3 in operation, but they are not seamlessly connected like train systems in countries such as Japan.

Transferring between LRT-1 and LRT-2 is only possible via the LRT-1 Doroteo Jose Station and the LRT-2 Recto Station. Moving between LRT-2 and MRT-3 can only be done through the Cubao station. Transfers between MRT-3 and LRT-1 are possible at the LRT-1 EDSA station or the MRT-3 Taft Station.

MRT-3 is indirectly connected to LRT-2, with Taft Avenue linked via a covered walkway to the LRT-1 EDSA station. The stations are not directly connected, requiring passengers to walk considerable distances.

The Unified Grand Central Station, or Common Station, in North EDSA, Quezon City, was conceptualized over a decade ago to connect LRT-1, MRT-3, MRT-7 (still non-operational) and the Metro Manila Subway (still under construction).

This project also aims to provide an integrated system where passengers can easily access buses, jeepneys and taxis.