Duterte leads PNR route reopening in Laguna

MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte will lead today the reopening of the Philippine National Railways (PNR) San Pablo-Lucena inter-provincial commuter service.

The San Pablo-Lucena commuter line ceased operating in October 2013 after its abutment or supporting structure collapsed.

The opening of the route is part of the PNR’s expansion program for 2022. It will extend train service in Region 4 with a 44-kilometer stretch, two main stations and four flag stops.

Initially, it will serve four towns and one city in Laguna and Quezon provinces.

The San Pablo-Lucena line is vital in restoring the PNR Bicol or “Bicol Express,” which connects Metro Manila to the Southern Luzon provinces of Laguna, Quezon, Camarines Sur and Sorsogon, the Philippine Information Agency in Region 4A said.

With its operation, travel time between San Pablo in Laguna and Lucena in Quezon will be cut to 30 minutes from the usual one hour.

Transportation Secretary Arturo Tugade will assist Duterte today.