Philippine National Railways New Set On Trains To Be Fully Operational
PHILIPPINE NATIONAL RAILWAYS – The Philippine National Railways (PNR) recently unveiled two sets of diesel multiple unit (DMU) trains.
According to ABS-CBN, these are procured from the Indonesian firm PT. Industri Kereta Api (Persero) “PT INKA” for about ₱485.31 million.
The DMU units which has three coaches each will b fully operational by December 16 (Monday), according to Arthur Tugade, Department of Transportation (DOTr) secretary.
Tugade also led the arrival and unveiling ceremony of the DMU trains which was held in South Harbor, Manila.
“When we assumed, the administration of President Duterte, there were only 17 routes. As we speak today, there are already 36 operating routes, and that is performance indeed,”
Tugade further disclosed the expected arrival of the second batch, which is 4 sets of INKA DMU trains, each with 4 coaches, when he said that they expect to have a total of 40 operating coaches by next year.
The first two trains will travel the Malabon and FTI route. Each coach of the DMU trains can handle about 250 passengers per trip.
According to PNR general manager Junn Magno said that the trains are now more reliable since current trains can do six trips due to maintenance issues.
Ito, we’re slating this for between 8-10 trips per day at 800 [passengers] per set. That’s another 8,000 [passengers] per day capacity we’re putting per train, so we’re introducing 16,000 [passengers] per day,”
As per the report, Magno said that safeguards are also in place in order to make sure that the train are reliable.
“Isa sa safeguards namin dito sinegurado namin may standards kaming fina-follow… puro international railway standards nilagay namin doon sa TOR (terms of reference).”
Despite the new procurement, Magno clarified that the railway agency is not inclined to aim for a fare hike.
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