2 new PNR train sets start service when enhanced community quarantine lifted

April 7, 2020

The Philippine National Railways (PNR) is set to deploy an additional two  new train sets once it resumes its operations, General Manager Junn Magno announced Tuesday.

"The trains will be out for commercial service after RAMS (Reliability, Availability, Maintainability and Safety ) Validation and upon resumption  of PNR operations," Magno said.

This, after two new Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) trains forming part of the 8100 series supplied by the Indonesian rolling stock manufacturer PT Industri Kereta Api (INKA) arrived in the Port of Manila on March 28.

The new train sets are parked at the PNR's Tayuman yard in Manila.

To recall, it was around February this year, that two train sets from Indonesia arrived in the country. The trains are serving PNR commuters.

This latest addition of train sets forms part of PNR’s 2018 train procurement that aims to transform and improve the services of the country's rail network.

Each train set has a capacity of 1,000 passengers per trip, and will serve the PNR's Metro Line from Tutuban to Alabang.

DMU trains have additional security features such as obstacle door detectors to prevent passengers from getting caught in between doors and a tropicalized air conditioning system designed to ideally function in the country’s climate. The trains also have polycarbonate glass windows which are stronger against damages, especially in the wake of stone-throwing incidents along the PNR line.

Last year, the first batch of DMU train sets, composed of six railcars, arrived in the country and started operation on 16 December 2019. PNR purchased a total of 37 railcars expected to be delivered in the country by batches.

Once all procured new train sets are operational, the PNR targets to serve a total of 140,000 passengers per day — at least double the current capacity of 48,000 to 60,000 passengers daily.

Transportation Secretary ArthurTugade has welcomed the delivery of the two new train sets, adding that despite the coronavirus disease pandemic, the PNR continues to fulfill its promise to make commuters comfortable.

"The PNR is being true to its promise -- to provide the riding public a comfortable daily travel. With the latest delivery of two new train sets, this will drastically improve not just the ridership, not just its rolling stock, but also how each passenger would see, and feel when they will be able to ride the new PNR trains," Tugade expressed.

The PNR's Metro Line runs from Governor Pascual in Malabon, Tutuban in Manila to Los Banos in Laguna. DMS