MRT7's Quezon Memorial Circle station to have commercial spaces

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Wednesday said the MRT7’s Quezon Memorial Circle station will have commercial spaces to businesses to avoid an increase in fares or the amortization payment that will be covered by the government.

The Quezon City (QC) government earlier issued a temporary cease and desist order on the aboveground construction of the said station after authorities learned the project will affect the national heritage park.

The QC government said the original plan to construct a 2,500-square meter establishment aboveground was expanded to 11,000 square meters without their knowledge, according to the State of the Nation with Jessica Soho report by Sandra Aguinaldo on Wednesday.

The DOTr admitted that the design of the station changed because the original plan was based on a 2002 study.

Transportation Undersecretary Timothy John Batan said the bigger structure will be able to house more commercial spaces.

“Kung hindi po natin hahayaan 'yung concessionaire natin na makapag-develop din ng commercial activities sa kanilang investment, either tataas ang pasahe... or tataas ‘yung amortization payments ng gobyerno,” he said.

The QC government, DOTr, and San Miguel, the contractor of the project, will convene a meeting on Friday.

The DOTr said the QC government had “very legitimate concerns” about the project.

The department earlier said the underground construction for the MRT7 will continue while talks are ongoing about the aboveground structures.

Once completed, the P69-billion MRT7 is expected to transport 300,000 to 850,000 passengers each day from North Avenue to San Jose del Monte in Bulacan in around 34 minutes. — Julia Mari Ornedo/BAP, GMA News