While Moscow is busy celebrating the 90th anniversary of its iconic metro system—complete with exhibitions, throwback trains, and tech upgrades—the Philippines is still, quite literally, stuck in the early digging stages of building its first-ever subway.
Yes, 90 years. That’s how long Russia’s capital has been running its underground train network, which first opened in 1935 with a humble 11.5-kilometer stretch. Fast forward to 2025, and the Moscow Metro now spans more than 550 kilometers with 302 stations and moves over 8 million people a day.
It’s one of the most advanced systems in the world, with sleek modern trains, digital tickets, biometric payments, and wait times as short as 90 seconds during rush hour.
Meanwhile, here in Metro Manila, we’re just getting started.
The much-awaited Metro Manila Subway—originally promised to have partial operations by 2022—has seen its deadline move and move again. The latest estimate? Full operations by 2029… if all goes well. That means it’s very possible that Russia will be celebrating a century of efficient underground commuting before we even cut the ribbon on our first full subway line.
Currently, the Philippines’ first subway project plans to connect Valenzuela to NAIA across 33 kilometers, aiming to cut travel time from 90 minutes to just 35. It’s a badly needed relief for Metro Manila’s chaotic traffic, but progress has been crawling. Right-of-way issues, government red tape, and shifting timelines have all slowed down what should’ve been a game-changer years ago.
Compare that with how the Moscow Metro helped transform life for its residents. It made getting around the city fast, reliable, and stress-free. No endless traffic jams, no standing in the heat for a jeep, no squeezing into buses every 200 meters. Just efficient, predictable transit. That’s exactly what Filipino commuters dream of—a system that just works.
Imagine hopping on a train that gets you from the north to the airport without getting stuck on EDSA, flooded side streets, or waiting for a ride that never comes. And with modern stations, flood-proof tunnels, and high-capacity trains, the Metro Manila Subway has the potential to be that solution… once it’s finally finished. F
or now, though, as Muscovites enjoy art installations, restored trains, and a 90-year legacy of moving millions, we Filipinos are still watching tunnel boring machines do their slow, grinding work.
Here’s hoping we don’t have to wait another decade—or a centenary celebration abroad—to finally enjoy a subway of our own.
