(RICHARD A. REYES / INQUIRER / file photo)
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Railways may partially suspend operations by May, PNR General Manager Jeremy Regino said on Tuesday.
“Hindi pa pinal sapagkat masusi pa nating pinag-aaralan. Hangga’t maaari, ayaw nating premature ang paghinto ng operasyon ng PNR,” Regino said in a public briefing.
(This is not yet final because we are still carefully studying this. As much as possible, we don’t want to stop the PNR operations prematurely.)
Regino said that the Alabang-Calamba route will “most probably” be suspended in May while by October, the Tutuban – Bicutan, Tutuban – Alabang, and Governor Pascual, Malabon – Tutuban routes may also be affected.
He added they are still consulting and coordinating with other agencies such as the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and local government units.
The PNR official said the LTFRB is eyeing to open up franchises for new and more bus and jeepney routes to help support affected train passengers
The five-year suspension of PNR operations is being eyed to give way to the construction of the 55-kilometer South Commuter Railway project linking Metro Manila to Laguna.
The Department of Transportation earlier assured commuters there will be alternate modes of transportation once the PNR suspends operations.