After almost 9 years of closure, the Philippine National Railway (PNR) announced on their facebook page the relaunching of railways operations of PNR Calamba – Lucena – Calamba route. As the face-to-face implementation has been slowly returning to normal, travel from one place to another is one of the underlying problems for the coming days. In addition to this we will also experience the so-called “ber months traffic”. The next “ber” months, referring to the months ending with the word “ber” such as September, October, November, and December had been known of recording a large volume of traffic throughout an entire year in the Philippines. Following this months, having access to multiple public transportation is one of the ways to resolve this problem. One of the things being eyed by commuters is the relaunch of PNR Calamba – Lucena -Calamba Route, PNR.
The next ‘ber’ months of 2022 will be noticeably different from those of 2020 and 2021. The world stopped the drenched of traffic everywhere in 2020, turning busy locations into ghost settlements. The streets were vacant, the festivities were hushed up, and the economy crashed. The “ber” months were depressing, but Filipinos persevered, changing the way celebrations and reunions were done by going through online platforms and utilizing Zoom or Google meet. The “Ber” months of 2021 were considerably better, with more relaxed lockdown but face shields were still required, public activities were still restricted, and many Pinoys were still unvaccinated, resulting in a spike in cases owing to new Covid strains at the start of 2022.
As we are pushing for our economy’s comeback, it can be noticed that there are a lot of Expos, trade fairs, and bazaars are also making a big comeback, filling whole weekends. THere are a lot of international and local concerts happening in the country, also there are conventions and events which were cancelled during the pandemic but is now fulfilling its promise to serve. It is great to have know that these events “resurrected,” as many were canceled at the height of the epidemic, hitting largely small and medium-sized companies. Businesses may expect sales, begin networking, and expose their products to export potential by attending these events. More commerce means more excellent jobs and steady employment for Filipinos.
Read More: Mega Manila: Building New Connections and Expanding Access on Opportunities | Bria Homes
The Relaunching of PNR Calamba – Lucena – Calamba Route
In line with all the happenings, one of the good news to cheer onto is the availability of PNR Calamba – Lucena – Calamba Route to commuters who usually traverse the southern part of Luzon. Travel time from Lucena City to Calamba is estimated to be two hours and 33 minutes, whereas travel time from Lucena City to San Pablo City is one hour and 32 minutes.
Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista boasted that the project would not only create chances for tourists but would also provide passengers with speedier transit alternatives between the two southern Luzon regions. Bautista stated that it will help to boost tourism and give passengers with easy transportation in the provinces of Laguna and Quezon.
“This railway will provide Filipinos with safe, economical, convenient, and comfortable transportation while also advancing the country’s economic recovery,” he in an interview stated.
According to the Philippine National Railways (PNR) The early journey from Lucena station departs at 4:50 a.m., while the latest excursion from Calamba departs at 6:30 p.m. In addition, the minimum fee from Lucena to San Pablo is PHP 15, while the minimum fare from Lucena to Calamba is PHP 20. This route’s fixed stops are at Lucena, San Pablo, and Calamba. Furthermore, Pansol, Masili, Los Banos, College, IRRI, Tiaong (Lalig), Candelaria, Lutucan, and Sariaya will also serve as flag temporary stations.
PNR Closure and Renovations
The PNR San Pablo-Lucena commuter line was closed in October 2013 due to the collapse of an abutment or supporting structure. The announcement is known to have been affected over 70,000 commuters on the state-run rail route. This follows after the reported derailment of a southbound PNR train at the Skyway Magallanes exit in Makati City last week, which injured hundreds of passengers.
During that day, Sen. Cynthia Villar encouraged the Philippine National Railways (PNR) to investigate the potential of enlisting the assistance of local government units in the aftermath of the derailment of two coaches, which wounded around 80 people. “We receive indications that some of the metal pieces of the tracks have been stolen, which might be the reason of the rails being separated,” Villar added.
“It will benefit residents when LGU officials assist in securing train tracks serving their area,” she noted. Two carriages of a PNR train going for the Nichols railway station derailed this week at Magallanes, Makati City, injuring just minor passengers. Villar stated that if the PNR is unable to send people to monitor its lines, local police cooperation is required to safeguard the trains, particularly those in populous areas.
“PNR should also investigate how they undertake routine inspections to check the structural condition of the tracks, bridges, and station facilities, and if this is done by competent persons, and how frequently they inspect the tracks,” she said.
During that time, the inspection was said to be comprehensive. The officials also promised that “Once the inspection is over, we will immediately resume operations,” Hundreds of commuters were perplexed when they arrived at Manila’s main terminal on the next day only to be informed that train service had been suspended. The passengers stated they only had enough money for the railway price, which is normally P20 each journey. Other modes of transportation would cost them P80 one way. According to previous accounts, several metal clips used to fasten the rails looked to have been sawed off and stolen, causing the rails to give way and derail.
PNR Future Outlooks
The PNR San Pablo-Lucena line’s launch is part of the rail line’s 2022 expansion program, which will increase PNR’s train service in Region 4. (Southern Tagalog). It initially extends 44 kilometers with two main stations and four flag stops. In Laguna and Quezon, it will service four towns and one city.
With the reopening of the PNR-Calamba – Lucena- Calamba line, the PNR is embarking on another railway line extension, with 52 operating stations and 154 kilometers (about 95.69 mi) of track servicing Metro Manila, Laguna, Quezon, and Camarines Sur. The said Project is PNR Calamba’s 19 stations are situated in five towns in Metro Manila and six cities in Laguna and are funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
As transportation are now becoming more accessible in the Southern part of luzon it should be expected that opportunities will spread throughout the nation, one way to make sure that you are one of the beneficiaries of this event it is advised for you to buy house and lots in these areas. Bria Homes is your business partner in having your own affordable house and lot or condominium which will definitely appreciate throughout the years to come.
