PNR San Pablo-Lucena Now Rolling Again!
The Philippine National Railways (PNR) opens its San Pablo-Lucena section, unlocking the economic potential of Southern Luzon.
Rejoice citizens of Laguna and Quezon, the PNR San Pablo-Lucena section is set to roll once again. This section links to the Bicol network. As a result, we expect to see an economic rise in Southern Luzon!
During its on-site inspection, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Art Tugade relayed the plan:
San Pablo-Lucena Loop
The PNR San Pablo-Lucena route can be converted into a commercial or cargo freight service. Aside from being a convenient commuter train.
“This San Pablo-Candelaria-Lucena, route that we are opening will be connected to the “Bicol Express” network,” Tugade explained.
“It will be a vital commuter and commercial line for Laguna and Quezon in the immediate term,” he added.
Stalled for almost a decade, the PNR San Pablo-Lucena route is a 44-kilometer inter-provincial commuter railway that was part of the commuter train service to Bicol with stations and flag stops for daily commuters or short travels.
The commuter line ceased operations in October 2013 after the collapse of an abutment.
Finally, the line now has two terminal stations and four flag stops in between. There’s an approximate travel time of 1 hour and 32 minutes from Lucena to San Pablo.
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Parts of the long-distance rail network’s right-of-way will also be utilized for the PNR South Long Haul Project or the “Bicol Express”.
PNR General Manager Junn Magno expressed his gratitude to the provincial governments of Laguna and Quezon for “reaching the country’s aspirations in opening the mass transport.”
Furthermore, the PNR San Pablo-Lucena line will also open the economic corridors of Laguna, Quezon, and Bicol to ensure economic equity and progress in Southern Luzon.
In 2012, the rail line only operated once every two days. But now, The Lucena-San Pablo loop will operate 10 trips per day, connecting every town!
“We can transport our products inter-province, to Manila,” according to Laguna Urban Development and Housing Officer Emilio Tirones.
“We can even fix our informal settlers problem because we can now relocate them,” he added.
Bravo, Duterte administration! Here’s to a stronger South Luzon economy and a #BetterPhilippines!
