The Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP) is seen to create thousands of jobs during its construction and boost economic activity in nearby areas once finished, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Jaime Bautista said Monday.

During the groundbreaking of the MMSP’s Contract Package 104 (CP104) in Pasig City, Bautista said the MMSP is the country’s “crown jewel” in the mass transport system and will be completed “at full speed.”

“Construction is estimated to create more than 18,000 jobs,” Bautista said.

He said the MMSP will provide a “comfortable, convenient, safe, and affordable” transportation option to the public once completed.

The MMSP’s CP104 is one of seven civil work contracts for the project and covers the construction of the Ortigas and Shaw Boulevard stations and tunnels spanning 3.397 kilometers.

It has a total contract price of PHP20.4 billion inclusive of VAT.

The MMSP, once completed, will have a total length of 33 kilometers and 17 stations — cutting across eight localities from Valenzuela City to the FTI-Bicutan in Parañaque City with a line to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 in Pasay City.

Funded by the Japanese government, the MMSP will be the country’s first underground mass transit system, will have a daily passenger capacity of 519,000, and aims to cut travel time between Quezon City to NAIA from the present 70 minutes to 35 minutes.

Earlier, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. led the groundbreaking of the MMSP’s CP104 and highlighted its potential to stir up economic activity in key areas covered by the project and provide opportunities for businesses.

The project, he said, is also seen to improve transportation efficiency through less travel time and provide the public with more time for personal endeavors. (PNA)