By Katrina Gracia Consebido
President Rodrigo Duterte led the reopening of the Philippine National Railways (PNR) San Pablo to Lucena railway line on Saturday, June 25.
“This project is proof of our commitment to enhance mobility and connectivity across the archipelago by improving our routes and bringing convenience to our fellow Filipinos. With this, we make everyone feel the change we have promised at the beginning of our term,” Duterte said.
“As my term in office draws in a conclusion, I am thankful that I spent my last days as President witnessing events like this and realizing that even amidst challenges around us, we will leave a legacy that brought meaningful and lasting changes to the lives that we have touched,” he added.
The 44-kilometer commuter line will lessen the travel time to 30 minutes from the usual one hour travel time connecting San Pablo City, Laguna to Lucena City in Quezon Province.
Meanwhile, Department of Transportation Secretary Art Tugade said the reopening of the PNR “Bicol Express” will give ease of traveling to public commuters.
“Nandidito kami ngayon, kasama ang ating mahal na Pangulo, upang bigyang-buhay ang mandato of giving a life of convenience, connectivity and comfort to the Filipino people. Today will be the start of the segment San Pablo-Lucena. Mahalaga itong istasyon na ito pagkat ito yung plataporma na kung saan magmumula ‘yung tinatawag natin na Bicol Express,” Tugade said.
According to PNR General Manager Jun Magno, the reopening of PNR San Pablo- Lucena commuter line is a testament of their commitment on making more comfortable lives for the Filipinos.
“When I was appointed as General Manager, you have given me the marching order to move people, not cars. Move cargo, not trucks. And all development must be inclusive, including the people in the rail community along the tracks. All our actions have been directed towards achieving that order and I’m happy to report, Sir, we have accomplished that,” Magno said.
PNR San Pablo-Lucena line can accommodate about of 3,683 passengers. -gb
