MANILA, Philippines — The hybrid electric train developed by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has completed its test run and has been formally turned over to the Philippine National Railways (PNR).
Science Secretary Fortunato dela Peña and PNR operations manager Joseline Geronimo signed last week the ownership documents for the train, which was developed by the DOST Metals Industry Research and Development Center in 2016.
The DOST said the train, which underwent a 150-hour validation test at the PNR’s Alabang-Calamba route passed the reliability, availability, maintainability and safety tests.
The PNR is expected to roll out the hybrid electric train soon for commercial use, according to the DOST.
The train has been undergoing tests for the past three years.
It is envisioned to replace the current trains used by the PNR, which include 30-year-old trains donated by the Japanese government.