Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 15) — The Philippine National Railways (PNR) will operate its last trip for the Alabang-Biñan route on Saturday night to make way for the construction of the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) Project.
The last trip from Alabang to Biñan will be at 9:32 p.m.
The closure of the Biñan to Alabang route will follow on Sunday, with the last trip scheduled at 5:24 a.m.
Some 2,000 passengers will be affected by the closure of the Alabang-Biñan and Biñan-Alabang routes.
Last July 2, the PNR also closed the Sta. Rosa to Calamba route.
“Marami na pala diyang mga bus, at saka mga PUJ (public utility jeeps) na plying along the routes. Sa other side pa, ‘pag nag-close na rin ‘yun, mayro’n na ring naka-ready na special permits si LTFRB. Nag-o-offer sila ng prangkisa, special permits para sa bus operators and jeepney operators,” Geronimo told CNN Philippines.
[Translation: There are already several buses and PUJs plying the routes. At the other side, if that closes too, the LTFRB has special permits ready. They’re offering a franchise, special permits for bus and jeepney operators.]
In the coming months, the Tutuban to Alabang route will likewise be shut down for the construction of the NSCR Project.
To hasten the construction of the NSCR, an elevated, double-track and electrified rail system will be installed above PNR’s current tracks, Transportation Undersecretary for Railways Cesar Chavez earlier said.
The 147-kilometer NSCR, which is expected to have 35 stations, can accommodate 600,000 passengers daily. It is expected to be completed in five to six years.
It may partially operate by late 2026 or early 2027, the PNR said.
The rail line can bring commuters from Clark, Pampanga to Calamba, Laguna in just two hours.
“Kaunting pasensya lang po, at asahan natin na ‘pag natapos na ang construction ng NSCR ay makakaasa po tayo ng mas mabilis, mas maganda, mas konbinyente na biyahe para sa ating mga commuters,” Geronimo told commuters.
