The Philippine National Railways (PNR) is set to suspend its operations entirely by the end of this year to make way for the Department of Transportation's (DOTr) North-South Railway Projects (NSRP).
PNR Chairman Michael Macapagal announced the decision to halt the entire PNR line, with the first phase of the NSRP being implemented from Alabang, Muntinlupa to Calamba, Laguna.
Beginning July 15, all trips from the Alabang route will be discontinued, affecting around 500 daily train commuters, according to PNR management.
Macapagal stated that the complete suspension of PNR operations would take place after the holiday rush in December.
To assist affected commuters, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) will issue additional franchises for the affected routes.
“Inumpisahan po namin ang maliit na stretch kasi po tinututukan namin ang magiging response ng riding public natin,“ said Macapagal.
“Nakatutok po kami diyan, we're not deploying any buses yet pero pag nakita po namin na marami pong apektado magde-deploy po kami ng emergency buses sa mga routes na yan,” he added.
The NSRP, which is expected to run for six years, aims to modernize the country's train system and contribute to economic progress.
“We are currently modernizing the train system of the Philippines. We will have electric trains which will come from Clark to Pampanga, Pampanga to Bulacan, Bulacan to Metro Manila, then Metro Manila to Calamba, Laguna,” he said.
Macapagal explained that the project involves the introduction of electric trains that will connect Clark to Pampanga, Pampanga to Bulacan, Bulacan to Metro Manila, and Metro Manila to Calamba, Laguna.
“This entire project will include 35 stations, there are 51 new electric trains, commuter trains, then about 7 or 8 express trains. These are all electric and these are at far with world standards, and these are all elevated system so you will all see this,” he said.
