Philippines National Railroads (PNR) announces the opening its latest commuter line between San Pablo and Lucena.
As a result of this new PNR route, travel times from San Pablo, Laguna, to Lucena, Quezon, will be shortened to just 30 minutes.
The 44km line last June 25, 2022, by former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte. As of June 26, 2022, the PNR line is open for general operation.
There is a capacity of 3,683 passengers per day on the San Pablo-Lucena line, according to the Department of Transportation (DOTr).
Former President Duterte said the country would be more accessible and manageable by implementing effective transport. This will strengthen both rural and urban trade.
It was reported in October 2013 that the commuter line would cease to operate. The travel time from San Pablo to Lucena usually takes an hour until it is re-opened.
This re-opening of the San Pablo-Lucena line is part of the construction of the Bicol Express. In January, the Philippine Department of Transportation and Communications signed an agreement for the initial funding of the electromechanical works and structure of the 565km line connecting Metro Manila to Sorsogon.
Known as the South Long Haul Project or PNR Bicol, the South Long Haul Project will reduce travel time from the usual 12 hours to just four hours.
The newly re-opened commuter line is part of PNR Bicol Package 1, which cost Php142 billion to construct. There are 23 stations, ten tunnels, 230 bridges, and a 70-hectare depot in San Pablo, connecting Banlaic in Cabuyao to Daraga, Albay.
The plan is to start the service from Lucena to San Pablo at 5:00 am. The departure time for the remaining three trips is scheduled for 9 am, 1:30 pm, and 5:30 pm for the final trip. Additionally, trips between San Pablo and Lucena are designed at 7:00 am, 11:00 am, 3:30 pm, and 7:30 pm on Saturdays and Sundays, respectively.
One-way tickets are estimated to start at ₱50.
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