Congested PNR gets zero allocation for new trains in 2020 budget

Filipino commuters will continue to suffer congested train rides next year after no money was allocated for the procurement of new train sets for the Philippine National Railways (PNR) in the 2020 budget.

According to a Tuesday report by Maki Pulido on 24 Oras, the PNR transports around 200,000 passengers daily from Tutuban, Manila to Calamba, Laguna.

At present, the PNR only has 21 train sets that are already 40 to 50 years old. PNR management said they need at least 30 train sets in order to improve their services.

“Pwede na kaming mag-service to Legazpi. Ang problema namin, ang Metro Manila alone kulang na kulang talaga ‘yung tren natin. The government kailangan talaga maghabol sa investment on new trains,” said PNR General Manager Junn Magno.

The PNR was allowed to request Congress for only P1.6 billion for next year,  a far cry from its original proposal of P8 billion to purchase new trains.

Nine new trains are expected to be delivered until December this year. It takes three years from the time of purchase before new units are delivered.

Many commuters continue to use the PNR despite its deteriorating state because it offers significantly cheaper fare compared to other means of transportation. A ride from Tutuban to Calamba will cost P55 for an airconditioned wagon and P44 for an ordinary one. If commuters decide to use other modes of transportation, they will need to spend a total of P105 and bear the traffic. —Julia Maria Ornedo/LDF, GMA News