Commuters take the train going to Manila at the Philippine National Railways (PNR) Alabang station in Muntinlupa on July 3, 2023. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News/File  

MANILA - The Philippine National Railways said it will temporarily halt its Metro Manila operations for 5 years starting March 28 to speed up the construction of the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR). 

The PNR said the pause would cover its Governor Pascual-Tutuban and Tutuban-Alabang operations. 

This will expedite the NSCR construction by eight months and save at least P5.18 billion, the PNR said in a press release.

The 147-kilometer NSCR is expected to shorten travel time from Clark, Pampanga to Calamba, Laguna to less than two hours. It could ferry 800,000 passengers daily and decongest Metro Manila traffic.

The PNR said the transportation department arranged alternative bus routes for passengers who would be affected by the suspension of its Metro Manila operations. Buses are expected to drop off and pick up passengers near the current Tutuban-Alabang route, the PNR said. 

It said the southbound buses would pass through 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, and Alabang (Starmall).

The northbound buses will pass through 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, and Divisoria (Tutuban).

Southbound trips run from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., while northbound trips are available from 5 a.m. to 6:10 p.m.  

COMMUTERS WORRIED 

Commuters who use the PNR are worried the train’s temporary shutdown will affect their travel time and expenses.

"Sobrang hassle sa PNR kasi kahit siksikan, mura ang pamasahe," said Rusty Cetedrilla, a commuter who uses the PNR daily.

(It's a bit of a hassle because despite being crammed, it is cheaper)

Cetedrilla travels from his home in Taguig to his workplace in Manila via the PNR daily.

Once the train's operations stop, he will need three jeepney rides to make it to his destination.

Another passenger, Jessica Moterde, is worried about the increase in fares.

"Sana hindi matuloy pagsasara, kawawa naman kaming mga mahihirap, kahit 25 tinitipid namin," she said.

(I hope it won't push through. It will affect us, the poor. We try to save up)

The Department of Transportation earlier announced that the train's last trip is on March 27 to give way for the construction of the North-South Commuter Railway.

Undersecretary for Railway Jeremy Regino said an average of 20,000 passengers use the PNR daily, getting higher to 25,000 during peak seasons.

The DOTR will be deploying an initial 25 buses that will load and unload near the train stations.

But transportation group Alt Mobility PH says the plan will need other measures to work.

"This plan must now be complemented by dedicated bus lanes to offer the same efficiency and to meet the timetable," their statement read.

"For distances upwards of 300m from the station, there should be wayfinding and improved pedestrian and transit stop facilities," they added.

The DOTr said once the NSCR trains get operational, commuters will have a better experience with modern coaches, more frequent trips, and faster travel time.

-    With a report from Jervis Manahan, ABS-CBN News

PNR eyes completing part of North-South railway in 2026

Marcos leads signing of 3 more contract packages for North-South Commuter Railway