DOTr deploying PUVs to offset suspension of PNR CamSur-Albay ops

By Ernie Delgado

LEGAZPI CITY --- The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has directed the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to provide an alternative transportation option for the thousands of commuters affected by the suspension of railway operations in the Bicol region, which began on Nov. 10.

In an advisory, the Philippine National Railways (PNR) said that Transportation Acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez instructed the LTFRB to deploy additional public utility vehicles (PUVs) along the train route between Naga City, Camarines Sur, and Legazpi City in Albay.

“Upang matulungan ang apektadong commuters, inatasan ni Acting Secretary Lopez ang LTFRB na magtalaga ng karagdagang pampasaherong sasakyan (PUVs) sa lugar,” the railway operator said.

The PNR announced the suspension of its daily trips between Naga City and Legazpi City and vice versa due to damage to the railway bridge in Guinobatan, Albay, caused by Super Typhoon Uwan (Fung-Wong).

Social media posts have shown that the railway bridge linking Barangay San Rafael and Barangay Maipon in Guinobatan has become twisted, with its foundation eroded and damaged by floodwaters.

The PNR has deployed maintenance teams and engineers to inspect and repair the affected segment of the railway.

“Alinsunod sa direktiba ni Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr., pinaiigting ng DOTr ang mga hakbang upang pabilisin ang pagkukumpuni ng nasirang tulay, kasabay ng pagtiyak sa kaligtasan ng mga pasahero at kawani ng PNR,” the state-run railway company said.

(Following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive, the DOTr is enhancing efforts to quickly repair the damaged bridge while prioritizing the safety of passengers and PNR staff.)

The PNR added that the daily trips along the 101-kilometer Naga-Legazpi-Naga route will remain suspended as repairs and restoration work continue.

The public is advised to avoid approaching or entering the affected area for now and to wait for official notifications from the PNR and DOTr regarding the status of the line and when operations will resume, the PNR said. (PIA Bicol)