MANILA, Philippines — The country’s first domestically-made hybrid electric train will soon start operations, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) announced on Wednesday.
In a Facebook post, the DOST Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD) said the first locally-made electric train will begin commercial operations on May 6. Its passengers will get to ride the new train for free for more than two weeks.
“FYI: Starting May 6, passengers will have the chance to ride the Hybrid Electric Train (HET) for free for 19 days,” the DOST PCIEERD said.
The agency, which developed the train, said the Philippine National Railways (PNR) will operate the train on the Alabang-Biñan route.
The train set will be turned over to PNR after completing the 150-hour test which will simulate actual commercial use.
“The Philippine National Railways will have to complete 150 hours (approx. 19 days) run time for the train which will run the Alabang-Biñan route as part of its turn over process,” it said.
The train was designed and built by DOST engineers and local fabricators.
It runs on technology similar to Toyota Prius hybrid cars and has a maximum capacity of 880 passengers.
It is expected to run from 50 to 80 kilometers per hour (kph), faster than current PNR train speed at 40kph.
Train coaches are fully airconditioned and equipped with CCTV system, LED TV sets and automatic sliding doors.
The agency earlier said that maintaining the Filipino-made hybrid electric train will be easier and much cheaper unlike other railway systems in Metro Manila because its spare parts are available locally.
READ: PH to operate first locally-made commuter train soon
This innovation provides a huge potential in tapping local engineers and fabricators and the necessary boost for the country’s mass transport system. — Robie de Guzman
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