The Philippine National Railways or PNR has decided to delay the start of the planned five-year closure of its entire line until the middle of January next year to avoid disrupting the mass transit system during the holiday season.

The state-run rail operator was supposed to also close its Tutuban to Alabang and vice versa route this month to give way for the speedy completion of the massive North-South Commuter Railway or NSCR project.

Speaking to reporters at the sidelines of the 43rd annual ASEAN Railway CEO's Conference on Tuesday, PNR General Manager Jeremy S. Regino assured that rescheduled closure will not affect the NSCR completion.

"We will be stopping the full line in Metro Manila by the middle of January. The January closure will not affect the completion of the project because preparatory works are being done so there will be no idle time," Regino said.

During peak season, Regino noted that daily passenger count could reach as much as 35,000 daily; off-peak, passenger count could go to just 20,000 per day.

To cushion the effects of the train line closure on the riding public, Regino said the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board or LTFRB will expedite the awarding of special franchises for additional new routes.

The PNR already ceased the daily Alabang to Calamba trips — covering Muntinlupa, San Pedro, Pacita Main Gate, Golden City, Biñan, Sta. Rosa, Cabuyao, Mamatid, and Calamba stations — in early July as part of the early work stages of the NSCR project.

In response, the LTFRB opened three routes for operators of public utility vehicles such as buses and modern jeeps to serve the affected daily commuters.

The construction of the 147-kilometer NSCR system worth P204.6 billion, which will seamlessly connect Metro Manila to Pampanga ang Laguna, is expected to last five years or until 2028.