Metro Manila commuters are always looking for faster, more budget-friendly ways to get from Point A to Point B. Apart from the LRT and MRT, there’s one useful train line that’s been serving the Philippine public for decades: the Philippine National Railways (PNR) Metro Commuter Line.
Known fondly by older Filipinos as the “Orange Line”, the PNR started its operations on April 6, 1970. The initial line started at Manila’s North Harbor, with a final station in Biñan. More stations opened in the 1970s, with the PNR going as far as San Fernando, Pampanga.
The PNR underwent more renovations in the ‘90s under the name “Metrotrak”, before changing its name to “Metrotrain” to avoid confusion with the LRT 1’s “Metrorail”. Sadly, the PNR system lacked funding and proper maintenance, leading to the shutdown of stations as well as the halting of plans to rehabilitate a Manila to Clark line.
Photo by Wikimedia Commons
Interest grew in the early 2000s to modernize the PNR system, including plans to revive a Manila to Malolos line. With efforts in 2017 and 2018 to revive this ailing system, trial services began once more in Alabang and Calamba. Currently, the PNR has stations in the Laguna and Metro Manila areas. Its two sections meet in Tutuban Station, located in Tondo, Manila.
What Is The Current PNR Schedule?
The PNR is operational every day. Currently, the PNR mainly runs through the following stations:
● Tutuban
● Blumentritt
● Laon Laan
● España
● Sta. Mesa
● Pandacan
● Paco
● San Andres
● Vito Cruz
● Buendia
● Pasay Road
● EDSA
● Nichols
● FTI
● Bicutan
● Sucat
● Alabang
● Muntinlupa
● San Pedro
● Pacita Main Gate
● Golden City 1
● Biñan
● Sta. Rosa
● Cabuyao
● Mamatid
● Calamba
You may check the PNR Facebook Page for daily updated timetable and schedule. – PNR Facebook Page
This year, the PNR also opened the Calamba – Lucena – Calamba line, which covers travel within the provinces of Laguna and Quezon. The morning trip for this new line typically leaves at 4:50 AM, while its last trip is usually at 6:30 PM. Note as well that this line has the following provisional flag stops:
- Pansol
- Masili
- Los Baños
- College (Mayondon)
- IRRI
- Tiaong (Lalig)
- Candelaria
- Lutucan
- Sariaya
- Lucena
The PNR used to operate until the Bicol region. Unfortunately, plans to resume operations there are still in the works. To find out times for first and last trips, as well as holiday schedules and fare matrix, check the PNR Facebook page for their official timetable.
Tips For PNR Commuters And Contact Details
● Check the schedule online. Though the PNR operates daily, unexpected delays and maintenance issues occur. Check the train schedule on the PNR’s official Facebook page, where they regularly make easily-accessible alerts for commuters.
● Don’t forget to have a backup plan. There’ll be days when the train takes too long to get to your station, so plan an alternative mode of transportation.
● Follow proper train etiquette. Note that eating, drinking, and smoking are prohibited on the PNR. Check their rules here: https://pnr.gov.ph/getting-around/2014-10-29-06-28-28/students-kids.html.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the PNR, you may call the PNR Executive Building at Tutuban Station at this number: 5319-0041. For queries or feedback, send them an email here: support@pnr.gov.ph.
One Comment
Jasper Cruz
February 17, 2023 at 5:18 pmSana po ineextend yun oras ng last ride sa MRT kase kawawa po kaming mga nagtratrabaho sa Mall una pa nag cloclose yun tren kesa sa Mall.