DOTC Taps PNR as First Step to Combat Metro Traffic

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The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) and the Philippine National Railways (PNR) are set to launch a Special Coach service to provide travellers with a convenient alternative to the anticipated traffic escalation 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 features to ensure passenger convenience such as fixed seating, on-board comfort rooms, 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	5:47am	7:33am
Sta. Rosa to Tutuban	8:00am	9:46am
Tutuban to Sta. Rosa	4:17pm	6:03pm
Sta. Rosa to Tutuban	6:08pm	7:54pm

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 P 60.00 to P 90.00.

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 5:00am to 7:00pm, to a longer period of 4:00am to 8:00pm daily. Currently, the railway’s commuter line serves an average of 65,000 passengers on 70 trips per day.

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