The Philippine National Railways said Friday it resumed its service between Calamba City in Laguna province and Lucena City in Quezon province.
It said the reopened line would lead to a shorter travel time from Lucena to San Pablo and Calamba, and vice versa. The morning trip from Lucena station leaves at 4:50 a.m., while the last trip from Calamba is at 6:30 p.m.
Running time from Lucena to Calamba is about two hours and 33 minutes, while the running time from Lucena to San Pablo is one hour and 32 minutes.
The minimum fare from Lucena to San Pablo is P15, while the ticket from Lucena to Calamba is priced at P20.
The Department of Transportation said the reopened line would have nine flag makeshift stops at Pansol, Masili, Los Banos, College, IRRI, Tiaong (Lalig), Candelaria, Lutucan and Sariaya. Meanwhile, the main stations are located in Lucena, San Pablo, and Calamba.
Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said the project would not only provide opportunities for tourism but also faster travel time options for passengers between the two southern Luzon provinces.
Bautista said it would contribute to a more vibrant tourism and provide convenient transport services to passengers in Laguna and Quezon provinces.
“This railway will offer safe, affordable, convenient, and comfortable transport to Filipinos while accelerating the country’s economic rebound,” he said.
The PNR at its peak years had the most extensive network of railways in the country, operating from Dagupan to Naga.
