Traffic Problem Solved: PNR Plans to Connect 922kms Cagayan-Bicol Route

12/03/2014 – Manila | The Philippine National Railways (PNR) has a big plan to solve Luzon’s never-ending traffic problem. DOTC Secretary Jun Abaya announced recently that PNR is going to revive the Northern line as far as Tuguegarao City in Cagayan.

PNR currently has 2 trips daily between Calamba City Laguna and Tutuban Terminal in Divisoria. The Bicol Express in South is serviceable but still needs a lot of repairs before it can be used in full operation. The line has been damaged by recent typhoons especially Yolanda and Glenda.

Reviving the Cagayan railroad will not only help reduce traffic but also give commuters comfort and fast travel time, DOTC said.

Passengers from Calamba City said they save more than one hour in travel time compared by bus and they feel more comfortable. Senior citizens on the other hand said, PNR has a lot to do in order to provide better service especially for the safety of older passengers.

Abaya said it will take around 5 years and bigger budget to rehabilitate especially the North line, but the agency is optimistic that this big plan will be successful.

“Para ka lang namamasyal kasi maluwag at isa pa pwede kang gumala sa loob. Hindi pa masyado matagtag”, Nina Lacorte, a Calamba resident who tried riding on PNR for the first time from Calamba to Tutuban said. She described her experience as satisfying and enjoyable.

The planned rehabilitation of both lines will not only benefit commuters but can also attract tourists. Both foreign and local tourists, who want to experience travelling North or South, while stopping over in different provinces, could have a more comfortable travel.

Traveling from Cubao to Tuguegarao by private vehicle takes 12 to 14 hours depending on traffic and 2 to 3 more hours buy bus. By train, it will take only 6 to 8 hours according to DOTC. Travel time will depend on the number terminal stops, report said.

Many local tourists are already showing their interest to travel by train once both lines are operational. Cagayan and Bicol are expecting increase of tourism revenue once both lines will be operational.

See Also: Philippines to Experience Loneliest Christmas Ever, Courtesy of Estrada

/Dina Jaculo/ Assisted Press Manila

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