PNR to stop operations in Metro Manila
If you’re a commuter who heavily relies on the Philippine National Railways (PNR), you must know that the railway system is halting its operations in Metro Manila for 5 years starting 28th March 2024.
In particular, daily trips between Governor Pascual in Malabon and Tutuban in Manila, as well as between Tutuban and Alabang in Muntinlupa, will be suspended.
In the meantime, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) has organized a special bus service to transport commuters along these routes.
Making way for NSCR
An old PNR train and station.
Image credit: Philippinerailways via Wikimedia Commons
The suspension of PNR operations is necessary to make way for the new North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR), which will be constructed on top of the existing PNR alignment.
According to Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista, halting PNR operations will accelerate the construction of the NSCR by 8 months and save the government at least P15.18 billion.
Special bus service schedules
A new NSCR train.
Image credit: Department of Transportation (Philippines) via Wikimedia Commons
The special bus service between Alabang and Tutuban will make 12 trips per day, with 6 trips heading northbound and 6 heading southbound. These buses will drop off and pick up passengers near the PNR route.
The schedules and pick up/drop off points are as follows:
| Routes | Schedules | Pick up/Drop off points |
| Alabang – Tutuban | 5am 6.30am 11am 11.45am 5pm 6.10pm |
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). |
| Tutuban – Alabang | 7.30am 9.10am 3pm 3.20pm 7.30pm 9pm |
5-year PNR suspension in Metro Manila
The PNR carries around 35,000 Filipinos every day, offering a budget-friendly way to travel around the metro, so we hope that the special bus service will be able to help commuters. In the meantime, it’s a good idea to tweak your commute to ensure you’re not late for anything despite the changes.
If you also use e-bikes to get around, check out the Land Transportation Office’s new guidelines for e-bikes and e-scooters. Additionally, keep an eye out for the upcoming ride-hailing app inDrive which could come in handy during your travels across the metro.
Cover image adapted from: Department of Transportation (Philippines) via Wikimedia Commons