By Emmie V. Abadilla
The Philippine National Railways (PNR) last Sunday (December 1, 2019) formally extended its rail services from Tutuban, Manila to Los Baños, Laguna by adding five flag stop stations after Calamba, along with a train set from Japan which is good for 81 passengers.
Extending further to the south, the existing PNR line starting from Tutuban, Manila will now have new stations - Pansol, Masili, Los Baños, College, and the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI).
PNR has also included a Kogane train set, which consists of three coaches with reclining and rotating seats, stowable tables, leg rests plus a comfort room. The fare from Tutuban to Los Baños (IRRI) costs ₱150.
Apart from the Kogane train, two new train sets from Indonesia will arrive next week. PNR will include these trains, comprised of three rail cars each, under the Tutuban – FTI and Malabon – FTI routes.
In total, the PNR ordered 37 rail cars from Indonesia, with 31 more coaches to be delivered from December ,2019 to February, 2020. These shall form seven train sets of four- and five-car configurations.
“With the holiday season in full effect, we might increase trip frequency the moment ridership improves," PNR General Manager Junn Magno announced. "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.”
Already, PNR has conducted tests to ensure smooth-running operation of the extended services and more trips will be added over time.
Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade commended the PNR for modernizing its train sets and expanding its services outside of Metro Manila. "This is just the start. PNR plans to extend its services to other parts of the country," he assured.