Photo credit: Sumitomo Mitsui Construction Co., Ltd.

In a strategic move to expedite the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) project, the Philippine National Railways (PNR) announces the temporary suspension of its Governor Pascual-Tutuban and Tutuban-Alabang operations in Metro Manila. The suspension is set to commence on March 28, 2024, with expectations to accelerate the NSCR construction by eight months, saving a substantial PHP 15.18 billion.

Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista assures the public that the suspension aims to prioritize passenger safety during the NSCR's construction. To mitigate the inconvenience, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) have arranged alternative bus routes.

Buses running the Tutuban-Alabang route will provide pick-up and drop-off points near the current PNR route, ensuring a seamless transition for affected passengers. The southbound and northbound buses will traverse designated routes, starting and ending at key locations such as Divisoria, Alabang, SLEX, and more.

The Tutuban-Alabang (Southbound) bus trips are scheduled at 7:30 AM, 9:10 AM, 3:00 PM, 3:20 PM, 7:30 PM, and 9:00 PM. Meanwhile, the Alabang-Tutuban (Northbound) trips will commence at 5:00 AM, 6:30 AM, 11:00 AM, 11:45 AM, 5:00 PM, and 6:10 PM.

The NSCR, a cutting-edge 147-kilometer rail line, is poised to revolutionize travel, reducing the journey from Clark, Pampanga, to Calamba, Laguna, by less than two hours. Anticipated to accommodate 800,000 daily passengers, the NSCR promises to alleviate Metro Manila traffic congestion and stimulate economic growth along its extensive route.