Trains bring hope to many commuters

As these new railcars begin operation today, our daily PNR commuters can expect fewer breakdowns on the train system in addition to the better train ride experience

TRANSPORTATION Secretary Arthur Tugade (right) enjoys the new PNR train with (from left) former Sen. JV Ejercito, Indonesian Ambassador H.E. Dr. Sinyo Harry Sarundajang and PNR Gen. Manager Junn Magno. BOB DUNGO JR. @tribunephl_bob

Apart from easing traffic congestion in the megacity, the Philippine National Railways’ (PNR) operation of six brand-new Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) railcars from Indonesia is expected to prevent the country’s oldest railway system from breaking down.

No less than Transportation chief Arthur Tugade made this claim on Monday during the inaugural run of the new PNR DMU trains in Makati City.

“As these new railcars begin operation today, our daily PNR commuters can expect fewer breakdowns on the train system in addition to the better train ride experience,” Tugade said.

“The deployment of these new trains will lessen the impact of traffic in Metro Manila since about 70,000 are expected to ride the trains. Addressing the traffic woes can only be done through a basket of solutions, including a mass transportation overhaul. And that’s what we are trying to do in the department,” he underscored.

Tugade said the Department of Transportation (DoTr) will also work to improve the PNR railways to better serve the passengers. He appealed to passengers to help the DoTr champion its initiatives.

The cabinet official also lauded the PNR for “actively working on the improvement of its operations and services.”

He noted that through the efforts of PNR, the number of operating stations have increased to 37 from only 14 when he assumed office in 2016.

“Today, we are gathered here not only to take a ride on the train but also to celebrate the transformation that is coming up and coming in, insofar as the PNR is concerned. Today, let’s celebrate the transformation,” Tugade said.

According to PNR General Manager Junn Magno, the six brand-new DMU train cars, manufactured by the Indonesian firm PT-INKA, form two train sets of three railcars each that are expected to add 18 to 20 more trips per day on their assigned routes from Tutuban (Manila) to FTI (Taguig City) and from Malabon to FTI.

BELL rings for progress as Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade signals the deployment of new PNR trains to serve from Laguna to Manila and back. BOB DUNGO JR. @tribunephl_bob

The two train sets aim to accommodate 13,500 additional passengers daily, bringing the total capacity of PNR from 60,000 to 73,500 passengers per day.

Each of the new railcars can carry 250 passengers while about 750 passengers can be accommodated by three railcars per trip.

“This is the manifestation of all our hard work and the start of the transformation of Philippine railways. And this is the reflection of the leadership this country has today,” Magno said.

He added that the arrival of the two train sets was ahead of the original schedule, which is February 2020.

Meanwhile, the House Committee on Transportation Chairman Rep. Edgar Sarmiento, who was also present at the inaugural run, called on the public to cooperate with the government in taking care of the country’s railway assets.

Last year, the DoTr, through the PNR, signed a deal with PT INKA for the purchase of new railcars and locomotives. This is the first batch out of the 37 railcars and three locomotives to be delivered to the country.

The remaining railcars will be delivered by batches in 2020.

Once all these new trainsets are operational, the PNR targets to serve a total of 140,000 passengers per day, doubling the current capacity of 48,000 to 60,000 passengers daily.

PNR’s metro rail runs from Tutuban in Manila to Los Baños in Laguna.

Other officials present during the run were PNR Chairman Roberto Lastimosa, Muntinlupa Rep. Ruffy Biazon and former Senator JV Ejercito.