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20,000 daily commuters to be affected by PNR's 5-year closure, says DOTr exec

Relocation of informal settlers a 'major stumbling block' too

Published Mar 09, 2024 06:53 am  |  Updated Mar 09, 2024 06:53 am
DOTr awards three PNR Malolos-Clark railway extension contracts
(Philippine National Railways)

Around 20,000 commuters daily will be affected by the five-year temporary suspension of the operations of the Philippine National Railways (PNR) in Metro Manila, according to an executive of the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

DOTr Undersecretary Jeremy Regino said the suspension of the PNR's Governor Pascual (Malabon)-Tutuban (Manila) and Tutuban (Manila)-Alabang (Muntinlupa) operations will begin on March 28, Maundy Thursday, to give way for the construction of the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) System.

The NSCR is a 147-kilometer elevated railing system from Clark, Pampanga up to Calamba, Laguna, criss-crossing the entire length of Metro Manila using the right-of-way of the PNR.

"That precisely is the reason why we need to stop operations since the track that the PNR is currently utilizing will be right there where the pillars of the elevated NSCR system will be installed," Regino said in an interview over ANC's Dateline on Saturday, March 9.

"On the average, there will be around 20,000 passengers affected by the suspension of the operations daily," he added.

To compensate for the suspension of the PNR's operations and accommodate affected passengers, the DOTr has coordinated with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) for the opening of new bus routes, deployment of 25 air-conditioned buses, and issuance of special permits to bus operators.

"If the rider demand will be higher, then additional buses will be dispatched in the areas where PNR used to operate," Regino noted.

But transport advocates are critical of this move by the DOTr as they questioned whether the additional bus routes will be enough to accommodate all the affected passengers of PNR.

"This plan must now be complemented by dedicated bus lanes to offer the same efficiency and to meet the timetable. For distances upwards of 300 meters from the station, there should be way-finding and improved pedestrian, and transit stop facilities," said Altmoblity PH director Ira Cruz in the same cable TV program.

"When was the last time DOTr officials walked 4.6 kilometers to take public transport - on Philippine (non-existent) sidewalks? That’s simply subjecting Filipinos to an additional expense," he added.

Aside from that, the DOTr will also have to find ways how to efficiently relocate all the informal settlers residing along the PNR's right-of-way alignment.

"The major stumbling block is the relocation of informal settlers because the North-South Commuter Railway System will be substantially using the right-of-way alignment of PNR," Regino admitted.

"The right-of-way alignment of PNR is full of informal settlers. We will have to relocate the informal settlers before the full blast construction may commence," he said.

But once the construction of the NSCR is finished, the DOTr said the public can expect an improved commuter experience.

"The NSCR system will be different from the current PNR. PNR right now is now on the ground while the NSCR is elevated. PNR right now is run by diesel engine while the NSCR will be [using] electrified train," Regino said.

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