By Rizal Obanil
The Philippine National Railways (PNR) said Friday that they will not raise the price of their fares despite an expected decrease in revenues when they resume operations on June 1.
Philippines National Railways (MANILA BULLETIN)
PNR Acting Assistant General Manager Ces Lauta in an interview by DZMM said: “Dati lang po ang ating pamasahe. Iyan po ang suporta sa hakbang ng pamahalaan. Ito rin po ang tulong ng pamahalaan sa ating mga kababayan.”
(Our fares will remain the same. This is in support of the government’s efforts. It is also government’s way of helping our countrymen)
PNR has been allowed to opeate starting June 1, as Metro Manila transitions from being under modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) to general community quarantine (GCQ).
Under MECQ, some public transportation was allowed, public utility vehicles operated with a limited capacity.
The 3-car PNR trains will be no exception.
Instead of carrying a maximum number 750 passengers, the trains can only carry 143 at a time.
At this rate, the PNR expects to lose around 80 percent of their monthly average earnings.
Passengers will be required to disinfect through foot baths and hand washing stations and be checked by a thermal scanner before being allowed to board the train.