Commuters on the Laguna and Manila routes can expect faster travel time with the new railway trains acquired by the Philippine National Railways (PNR).
The PNR announced Monday that they acquired 37 rail cars and 3 locomotives from PT Industri Kereta Api (PT INKA).
The PNR announcement was made as two brand new Diesel Multiple Units (DMU) train sets, diesel-powered trains with three rail cars each, made their inaugural run on December 16, plying the Tutuban (Manila) to FTI (Taguig City), and from Malabon to FTI. The 2 new trainsets are expected to add 18 to 20 more trips per day.
PNR says the two train sets aim to accommodate 13,500 additional passengers daily, bringing the total capacity of PNR from 60,000 to 73,500 passengers per day. Each of the new railcars can carry 250 passengers. A total of 750 passengers can be accommodated in the three railcars per trip.
The two new train sets are part of the first batch of new acquisitions by PNR, adding to the 1 Kogane train with 3 coaches from Japan earlier acquired.
PNR also revealed that the existing route from Tutuban Manila to Calamba Laguna will be extended to Los Banos Laguna with the additional stations in Pansol, Masili, Los Baños town proper, LB College, and the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI).
It’s definitely good news for all PNR train commuters and commuters from Los Banos Laguna and surrounding towns as they are provided access to shorter time travel to Manila, with more trips, and a convenient train experience.
Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade commended the efforts of the PNR for modernizing its train sets and spreading its services outside of Metro Manila.
“Ako ay nagpapasalamat sa PNR sa kanilang patuloy na pagpapalawak ng kanilang serbisyo at pagdagdag ng mga makabagong bagon para sa ikagiginhawa ng ating mga kababayan. Umpisa pa lamang po ito, dahil marami pa pong ihahandog ang PNR na makakaabot ang riles sa iba’t ibang parte ng bansa,” Tugade said.
Once all these new trainsets are operational, the PNR targets to serve a total of 140,000 passengers per day — at least double the current capacity of 48,000 to 60,000 passengers daily.
Public transportation services in the Philippines have been getting upgrades recently with the revival of Manila’s Pasig River ferry and Cavite-Manila ferry services.
Cebu public transport had also been upgraded with high-tech passenger service gadgets.
PWD commuters have also received additional service with fare discounts while students have been enjoying free rides on trains and waived terminal fees in airports and seaports in the country.
SEND cheers to the PNR and the train-riding public for their new travel experience!
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