With the holiday season in full effect, we might increase the trip frequency the moment ridership improves.

Dry runs have been conducted to ensure smooth- operations of the extended services, and that more trips will be added over time.

Passengers of the Philippine National Railways (PNR) can now travel further down south as the rail line formally extended the route with the delivery of a new train set from Japan.

This week, the existing PNR line starting from Tutuban, Manila gets five new flag stop stations past the Calamba station, namely, Pansol, Masili, Los Baños, College and the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI).

Included in the mainline now is one Kogane train set, which consists of three coaches that can accommodate up to 81 passengers.

On Wednesday, the Department of Transportation (DoTr) said passengers can enjoy reclining and rotating seats, stowable tables, leg rests, and a comfort room inside the train.

The fare from Tutuban to Los Baños (IRRI) has been pegged at P150.

PNR General Manager Junn Magno said tests have been conducted to ensure smooth- operations of the extended services, and that more trips will be added over time.

“With the holiday season in full effect, we might increase the 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,” he said.

For his part, Transportation chief Arthur Tugade commended efforts the PNR for modernizing its trains and expanding services outside of Metro Manila.

“I’m thankful that the PNR continues services and operations, hopefully, they can extend to more parts of the country,” Tugade said.

Apart from the Kogane train, two new train sets from Indonesia will arrive next week and will be used in the PNR line under the Tutuban — FTI and Malabon — FTI routes.

PNR ordered a total of 37 rail cars from Indonesia.Thus, 31 more coaches are set to be delivered from December 2019 to February 2020. The DoTr said these will form part of the seven train sets of four- and five-car configurations.