The Philippine National Railways (PNR) will temporarily suspend its Governor Pascual-Tutuban and Tutuban-Alabang operations starting March 28, 2024 to fast-track the construction of the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) project in Metro Manila.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) announced the suspension of PNR services in a press release on Friday, stating that the move is intended to ensure passenger safety during the construction of the NSCR. Transport Secretary Jaime Bautista emphasized that the suspension will expedite the construction of the NSCR by eight months and save at least PHP 15.18 billion from the project.
The NSCR, a 147-kilometer state-of-the-art rail line, aims to reduce travel time from Clark, Pampanga to Calamba, Laguna by less than two hours. It is expected to accommodate 800,000 passengers daily, with the goal of easing traffic congestion in Metro Manila and boosting economic growth in the areas it serves.
To assist affected passengers during the PNR suspension, the DOTr and the Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) have arranged alternative bus routes. Buses traveling the Tutuban-Alabang route are scheduled to pick up and drop off passengers near the current PNR route.
Southbound buses will pass through various locations including Divisoria, Mayhaligue Street, Abad Santos Avenue, and Alabang, while northbound buses will follow a route from Alabang to Divisoria. The bus trips on the Tutuban-Alabang route will operate at specific times throughout the day to accommodate passengers.
The temporary suspension of PNR services is part of the government’s efforts to improve transportation infrastructure and provide efficient alternatives during the construction of the NSCR.
