PNR Halts Operations in Metro Manila

(SPOT.ph) A lot can happen over the next five years. China could start building a base on the moon. AI could have human intelligence. And the world could set new temperature records.

For the Philippine National Railways? It will be closed, at least in Metro Manila.

Also read: PNR to Halt Certain Routes for Five Years to Make Way for the NSCR

PNR announces halt in Metro Manila operations

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has announced that the PNR will suspend its operations in Metro Manila starting March 28 to give way to the construction of the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) project. Two routes—from Malabon and Alabang to Calamba—had already closed routes in February of 2023 for the same reason, with the DOTr stating that the suspension will last for around five years. 

In a statement, the DOTr said the halt of PNR’s Governor Pascual-Tutuban and Tutuban-Alabang operations will “accelerate” construction of NSCR by eight months and lead to P15.18 billion in savings. The suspension of the Metro Manila trips also aims to “ensure that passengers are safe while construction of NSCR is underway.”

The NSCR is a 147-kilometer rail line that will connect Clark in Pampanga to Calamba, Laguna, bypassing traffic to cut travel time to less than two hours. It could accommodate up to 800,000 passengers a day.

To serve commuters who will be affected by the PNR NCR suspension, the DOTr and Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) are arranging new bus routes for the Tutuban-Alabang route.

Also read: Clark to Calamba in Less Than Two Hours? The NSCR Wants to Make It Happen

DOTR sets Tutuban-Alabang bus route amid PNR closure

Here are the southbound stops, where buses will ply from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

• Divisoria (Tutuban)
• Mayhaligue Street
• Abad Santos Avenue
• Recto Avenue
• Legarda Street
• Quirino Avenue
• Nagtahan Flyover
• Mabini Bridge
• Quirino Avenue
• Osmeña Highway
• Nichols Entry
• SLEX
• Bicutan Exit
• Bicutan Entry
• Alabang (Starmall)

Northbound buses will make the following stops from 5:00 a.m. to 6:10 p.m. every day.

• Alabang (Starmall)
• Manila South Road
• East Service Road
• Alabang (Entry)
• SLEX
• Bicutan Exit
• Bicutan Entry
• Nichols Exit
• Osmeña Highway
• Quirino Avenue
• Legarda Street
• Recto Avenue
• Abad Santos Avenue
• Mayhaligue Street
• Divisoria (Tutuban)

In case you take this train, better make new transportation arrangements soon.