MANILA, Philippines – Two new trains of the Philippine National Railways (PNR) started operating on Monday (December 16).
Each train is comprised of three brand new diesel multiple unit rail cars or coaches that were purchased from Indonesia.
The trains are well-lighted and equipped with air conditioning units, security systems like CCTV camera and safety signage among others.
Each train can accommodate up to 750 passengers in one trip.
This will augment PNR’s current eight train units that cater to commuters taking the Malabon to Taguig City trip and vice versa.
During the inauguration of the two new trains, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade announced the extension of PNR’s services.
From the previous 17 routes, the PNR now has 36 routes.
The PNR was able to finally purchase new trains from its own budget after 40 long years.
Secretary Tugade hopes that the new trains will help ease traffic problems in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.
“Makakatulong naman. Sapagkat kung lahat ng 750 sasakay, di na dadagsang lahat sa kalsada iyan at dito sa riles na, Makakabawas naman na. Makakahinga-hinga ng konti. (It helps because if all 750 passengers will board our trains, that will ease the volume of commuters on the road. That’s a big relief),” Tugade explained.
As a treat, the new trains will be of service free of charge for the entire week.
The new trains are the first set of the 37 units the Philippines purchased from Indonesia.
The additional units are expected to arrive in the country in the first quarter of next year. – MNP (with details from Asher Cadapan Jr.)
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