PNR commuter train service resumes Bicol route

LIGAO CITY — After some areas in Luzon was put under general community quarantine (GCQ) from enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), the Philippine National Railways (PNR) will resume its operation starting May 6, Wednesday.

The PNR train will travel the Naga-Sipocot-Naga (vice versa) route with a minimum fare of P12 and P32 up to Sipocot town.

“The train is now ready to resume its service. It will observe social distancing from queuing to ticket booth, train embarkation and disembarkation, and even while inside the train,” Ces Lauta, assistant general manager of PNR, said.

She said from a normal capacity of 450 passengers, it can only accommodate 106 passengers to observe social distancing.

There will only be 66 allowable seats and 40 allowable standing slots marked inside the train, she said.

“In observance of the health and safety protocol, passengers’ body temperature will be taken prior to entry to a PNR facility. Anyone having body temperature of 37.8 or higher will have to be refused admission to the facility and they will be reported to local authorities,” Lauta said.

Passengers 0-20 years old and 60 years old and above, pregnant women and those persons who are not wearing face masks will not also be allowed to board the train pursuant to Department of Transportation Guidelines for railway based public transport in areas under GCQ.

To make sure that PNR operating personnel are COVID-free, their body temperature, oxygen saturation, and blood pressure are being checked daily by their medical team.

Lauta said they are also required to wear face mask and face shield during service hours and the trains will also undergo disinfection prior to departure to Naga and Sipocot stations.

JPV