The Department of Transportation (DOTr) announced reduced operations for Metro Manila's major railways during Holy Week 2026. From April 16 to 18, 2026, services will be temporarily suspended on several rail lines for comprehensive safety inspections and infrastructure repairs. The maintenance window covers Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, the most heavily traveled days.

Limited Rail Operations During Holy Week 2026

Maintenance Schedule Overview

Rail officials emphasized that the maintenance work is essential for ensuring passenger safety and extending the lifespan of railway equipment. The three-day window allows crews to conduct thorough checks on tracks, signals, and rolling stock across all affected lines.

Key Dates and Affected Lines

  • April 16 (Maundy Thursday): MRT-3, LRT-1, and LRT-2 will operate on reduced schedules with extended headways
  • April 17 (Good Friday): Complete suspension of all rail operations nationwide
  • April 18 (Black Saturday): Limited operations expected to resume by noon
  • April 19 (Easter Sunday): Full normal operations resume

Alternative Transportation Options

Commuters needing to travel during Holy Week can use increased provincial bus lines and UV Express services coordinated by the government. The MMDA will deploy additional bus units along major routes including EDSA, C-5, and the Epifanio delos Santos Avenue corridor.

Jeepneys and tricycles in select areas will operate on extended hours to serve travelers heading to bus terminals and airports. Commuters are advised to plan their trips in advance to avoid inconvenience.

MRT-3 and LRT Service Adjustments

Modified Operating Hours

The MRT-3 will implement a modified Saturday schedule starting April 14, 2026. The first train departs at 4:30 AM from North Avenue Station. The last train leaves at 9:00 PM instead of the usual 10:30 PM.

Passengers should check station announcements for real-time updates as operating windows may be adjusted depending on passenger volume. The LRT-1 and LRT-2 will reduce fleet deployment by approximately 40 percent during the maintenance period.

Shuttle Services for Commuters

Shuttle buses will operate between key interchange points including Taft Avenue, Roosevelt, Cubao, and Recto stations. These services will run from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM during the suspension period with free transport for passengers.

However, officials warned that shuttle capacity may be limited during peak hours, particularly on April 16 when many travel to provinces outside Metro Manila.

PNR Holy Week Schedule

Long-Distance Route Suspensions

The Philippine National Railways (PNR) will completely halt operations on its PNR Metro Commuter and Bicol Express routes starting April 15. The suspension affects northbound services to Clark, Pampanga and southbound routes toward Ligao, Albay.

Rail officials stated that the suspension is necessary to conduct extensive track repairs along several sections showing signs of wear and tear following increased usage during the recent holiday season.

Booking Refunds and Rebooking

Passengers who have already booked tickets for PNR's Holy Week services may request full refunds or rebook for dates after April 20, 2026 without additional charges. The PNR customer service hotline operates from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily.

Online booking portals remain active for rebooking throughout the maintenance period. Commuters are encouraged to finalize travel plans early and secure alternative transportation to avoid last-minute difficulties.