PNR eyes extension of train service to Calamba

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine National Railways (PNR) is looking at extending the Metro South Commuter Train service all the way to Calamba in Laguna from Tutuban to provide commuters in Metro Manila a mass transit system to avoid the congested roads.

Joseph Allan Dilay, general manager of PNR, said during the blessing and inauguration of three new stations yesterday that the government is awaiting the completion of the strengthening works at the San Cristobal Bridge to be able to extend the south line service to Calamba.

 â€œThe PNR for the past months has been steadily restoring the south railway system to better serve its commuters and provide an optional mode of transportation to visit Manila or other areas in Laguna,” Dilay said.

The PNR yesterday started the extended train service from Biñan to Sta. Rosa in Laguna with the blessing and inauguration of new stations in Muntinlupa, San Pedro, and Sta. Rosa.

Dilay assured the riding public on the safety of the south line extension based on the extensive inspections and assessment of the Tutuban to Sta. Rosa line with no less than Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya as passenger yesterday.

“This is also our small Christmas gift to our commuters, especially those living in the Laguna area. And having a revitalized railway system that would take passengers to and from Laguna will promote economic activities in the area,” Dilay added.

The south line extension service includes two trips daily on the Tutuban – Sta. Rosa – Tutuban route leaving Sta. Rosa at 4:54 in the morning and the Tutuban station at 6:37 in the evening.

The service stretches 43.81 kilometers from Tutuban in Manila to Sta. Rosa in Laguna. It has 23 stations and passengers are charged between P10 and P35 each.

Abaya said the government came up with a priority list to find a lasting solution to the severe traffic congestion in the metropolis and its surrounding municipalities.

 â€œThe ever worsening traffic situation is being felt by all of us especially during this holiday season,” he stressed.

He pointed out that PNR is providing an alternative mode of transport in the land transport sector through the extension of the Metro South Commuter Train service.

“The construction of these PNR stations in Muntinlupa, San Pedro, and Sta. Rosa manifest the government’s resolve to provide safe, dependable, convenient, and comfortable mass transit system for passengers going to and from the Laguna area,” he added.

The DOTC said the government is also pursuing two major railway projects in Luzon connecting Cagayan in the north and Bicol in the south via the proposed 900-kilometer Integrated Luzon Railway (ILR) and the 90-km commuter rail link (also known as airport express rail).

The DOTC and PNR are also looking at reviving the operations of the Bicol Express traversing 400 kilometers from Manila to Naga City in Bicol. The service stopped operating in 2006 because of the damages caused by Typhoons Milenyo and Reming.