PNR service extends to Calamba

The extension serves an additional 3,000 to 5,000 passengers daily

MANILA, Philippines – As the Metro South Commuter Train service extends to Calamba, Laguna, the Philippine National Railways (PNR) sees a 7% rise in passenger volume.

The inauguration of a new station in Calamba on Tuesday, December 2, would provide Filipinos affordable and convenient access to jobs and schools south of Metro Manila, Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya said.

“This is another step toward serving the increasing number of people from Laguna coming into Manila on a daily basis, reviving the railway’s iconic Bicol Express, and restoring the PNR to its former glory as a vehicle for economic prosperity and progress,” Abaya said.

The extension, now stretching 56 kilometers, would serve an additional 3,000 to 5,000 passengers daily, in addition to the current 70,000 daily passengers.

“It will shorten travelling time for those who currently take the bus, and allow those who bring their own cars to bypass traffic,” Abaya added.

Two trains are assigned to ply the regular Manila-to-Calamba route. The first trip departs from Tutuban at 7 pm December 2. The end-to-end fare is pegged at P45 ($1*).

The Calamba route will have two trips daily. Two more trips will be added daily in early 2015.

The PNR has opened 6 stations including Muntinlupa, San Pedro, Biñan, Sta. Rosa, Cabuyao, and Mamatid.

“This is the 7th station that the PNR has opened in the past 12 months. Clearly, we are on the right track in rehabilitating the railway system and soon reviving the service to Naga and Legazpi,” Abaya said.

DOTC previously announced announced plans to revive the 478-kilometer Bicol Express train service two years after its operations were suspended due to an incident in Sariaya, Quezon.

The Bicol Express line service used to cater to some 2,000 to 3,000 passengers weekly. – Rappler.com