PNR launches special coach service on March 3; extend operating hours
The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) and the Philippine National Railways (PNR) are set to launch a Special Coach service to provide travelers convenient alternative to the anticipated heavy traffic in the areas affected by construction works for the Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 and the NAIA Expressway Projects.
Scheduled to be launched on March 3, 2014, the Special Coach service will make use of air-conditioned train sets with other features to ensure passenger convenience such as fixed seating, onboard washrooms, reclining seats, and a lounge section. It can accommodate 120 people per trip.
“This is one of the DOTC’s first efforts towards easing the present traffic situation in Manila, Makati, Pasay, and other affected areas especially in the southern part of the metropolis. Instead of taking private vehicles, motorists will now have a more efficient alternative. We are also working on other solutions which we will be ready to implement as our infrastructure projects are rolled out later this year to 2015,” said DOTC Spokesperson Michael Arthur Sagcal.
For his part, PNR General Manager Joseph Allan Dilay said that “the Special Coach service is part of our program to revive the old glory of PNR, and to deliver improved services to the public. It will also enable riders from the south to take a reliable and faster means of transport into the heart of Metro Manila.”
In its initial phase, the Special Coach service will run 4 times per day, with the following schedules:
Route
|
Time of Departure
|
Time of Arrival
|
Tutuban to Sta. Rosa
|
5:47 a.m.
|
7:33 a.m.
|
Sta. Rosa to Tutuban
|
8:00 a.m.
|
9:46 a.m.
|
Tutuban to Sta. Rosa
|
4:17 p.m.
|
6:03 p.m.
|
Sta. Rosa to Tutuban
|
6:08 p.m.
|
7:54 p.m.
|
Depending on ridership turnout, the PNR will evaluate whether it will be feasible to increase the number of trips further in order to serve more passengers. The special fare will range from P60 to P90.
To get to the Buendia station in Makati, it takes 31 minutes from the Tutuban station and one hour and fifteen minutes from the Sta. Rosa station.
To further help in lessening the expected gridlock, the PNR will also extend its commuter rail’s normal operating hours from the current 5:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., to a longer period of 4:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily. Currently, the railway’s commuter line serves an average of 65,000 passengers on 70 trips a day.
