Commuters on the Tutuban-Alabang route are being treated to free rides as the new Philippine National Railways (PNR) trains are deployed beginning today.
The 8100 Series of Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) trains purchased from Indonesia’s PT Inka were scheduled to start testing February 18, 2020, for the 150-hour validation and static test before being deployed for commercial operations.
The new PNR trains were unveiled on February 14 by PNR General Manager Junn Magno. The Inka trains arrived at the Port of Manila on February 10.
Magno announced that the first 450 hours of the trains would be free-of-charge to passengers as part of the “common carrier” status of PNR,
The two (2) trainsets with 4 rail cars each can serve 1,000 passengers per trip at 250 per car on the Tutuban to Alabang route.
The PNR says it will have have 2 more DMU, 3 Locomotive and 15 passenger coaches and 2 shunter within the first half of 2020.
Magno said train frequency on the route could either remain at once every 20 minutes if the route is extended, or reduced to within 15 minutes if the route is just for Tutuban to Sucat.
During the test period, the PT Inka personnel will work with PNR to train personnel on the proper maintenance of the trains, as well as address any issues that may be found.
PNR reports that the volume of passengers on the trains have increased since 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 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 train sets are expected to add 18 to 20 more trips per day.
PNR expects that with the additional new train sets the daily passenger capacity would be raised to 152,000 – a big jump from the 20,000-30,000 passenger capacity in 2017.
Diesel Hydraulic trains that can run through floods are expected to arrive in April.
The PNR Bicol Express Train Route is also anticipated to resume operations when 3 trainsets are delivered to the country by June 2021.
SEND CHEERS in the comments below to commuters on the Tutuban-Alabang route as they enjoy the service of the new PNR train sets!
Want to know how to be a Proud Pinoy? Like, Follow, Subscribe to GoodNewsPilipinas.com and our socials Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Good News Pilipinas! TV on YouTube, for new story notifications and e-mail newsletters for updates on more Filipino Pride stories.
