San Pablo City, Laguna
June 25, 2022
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte witnessed the resumption of operations of the Philippine National Railways (PNR) Lucena-San Pablo Commuter Line as the government continues to provide an efficient mass transport system to the Filipino commuters.
In his speech during the event, President Duterte expressed enthusiasm as he considers the formal opening of the PNR Lucena–San Pablo Commuter Line a result of the hard work of his Administration over the past six years. The said railway line has temporarily ceased operations in October 2013 before its resumption this year.
“Let me give you, the people and the entities, responsible for this. I would like to recognize the Department of Transportation (DOTr) headed by Art, the Philippine National Railways, and the local government units for making this happen,” he said.
The reopening of the PNR Lucena–San Pablo Commuter Line, according to the President, is the Administration’s efforts and commitment in enhancing mobility and connectivity across the archipelago by improving routes and providing convenience to Filipinos. He noted that with effective transport systems, places can be more accessible and easier to manage thereby strengthening rural and urban areas.
“In addition, we can boost our tourism sector, given the attractions and landmarks stationed near the terminals of this railway,” he mentioned.
The PNR Lucena–San Pablo Commuter Line forms part of the 560-kilometer PNR Bicol Express, which President Duterte considers a ‘vital part’ in connecting the National Capital Region (NCR) or Metro Manila to the provinces in Southern Luzon and Bicol Region. It is projected to be operational by 2027 with 35 stations traversing through Metro Manila and the provinces of Batangas, Laguna, Quezon, Camarines Sur, Albay and Sorsogon.
A few days before finishing his six-year term in office, President Duterte urged the DOTr and those who will take over the next leadership to continue leading the improvement in the country’s railway system as this will unlock even better opportunities for the Filipino people.
“As my term in office draws to a conclusion, I am thankful that I spend my last days as President witnessing events like this and realizing that, even amidst the challenges around us, we will leave a legacy that brought meaningful and lasting changes to the lives that we have touched,” President Duterte conveyed. The 44-kilometer inter-provincial commuter railway connects Lucena City in Quezon Province to San Pablo City in Laguna with a travel time of one hour and 30 minutes. It will have two (2) terminal stations and four (4) flag stops in-between, and is envisioned to provide comfortable travel experience to Filipino commuters.
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