NEW PNR TRAIN. The Philippine National Railways extended its rail services to Los Baños, Laguna over the weekend with the addition of new stations and a train set from Japan. Passengers can enjoy reclining and rotating seats, stowable tables, leg rests, and a comfort room inside the train. The train set can accommodate 81 passengers. (Photo courtesy of Rogel Mari Sese)
MANILA -- The Philippine National Railways (PNR) formally extended its rail services to Los Baños, Laguna over the weekend with the addition of new stations and a train set from Japan.
Extending farther to the south, the existing PNR line starting from Tutuban, Manila gets five new flag stop stations past the Calamba station -- Pansol, Masili, Los Baños, College, and the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI).
Included in the main line now is a Kogane train set, which consists of three coaches.
Passengers can enjoy reclining and rotating seats, stowable tables, leg rests, and a comfort room inside the train. The said train set from Japan can accommodate 81 passengers.
The fare from Tutuban to Los Baños (IRRI) is PHP150.
Department of Transportation (DOTr) 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 (I thank the PNR for their continuous improvement of their service and the additional coaches for the convenience of riders. This is just the beginning, more will come in other areas),” Tugade said.
PNR General Manager Junn Magno said tests have been conducted to ensure smooth-running operation of the extended services and more trips would be added over time.
“With the holiday season in full effect, we might increase trip frequency the moment ridership improves. Our engineering department has certified the line to be passable, and our Operations and Rolling Stock departments made the necessary preparation for the extension of the service,” Magno said.
Apart from the Kogane train, two new train sets from Indonesia will arrive next week. The train sets will be included in the PNR line under the Tutuban–FTI and Malabon–FTI routes.
The PNR ordered a total of 37 rail cars from Indonesia.
On top of the two train sets comprised of three rail cars each that are due to arrive next week, 31 more coaches are set to be delivered from December 2019 to February 2020.
These shall form seven train sets of four- and five-car configurations. (PR)
