the PNR comeback

[docgorio]

About that diesel locomotive by GE:

Does anyone know the exact type/model?? One nice project is to build an HO scale model of the PNR trains!!!

Also in the pic of the clearing operations: How old is that caboose???? That really looks old!!!!!!

[jpdm]

The used to be squatter infested Tondo area is almost cleared. next will be the area going to caloocan. This will pave way for the full resumption of the Tutuban-Alabang service.










All photos courtesy of Happosai of SSC

[KERSMcRae]

With all due respect, at least we are getting somewhere right???

Do you really know how much it would cost to build a maglev line???? Especially that you have an engineering degree???????????

Out of the 2010 presidentiables, only "Hero" wants a legacy similar to this. With regards to COST, well, this idea came out from my mind and I just cant keep it. Heard of the (crazy) plan on buying an "executive" jet but our very own air force dont even have a real fighter jet? Also that broadband whatever?

Sorry if my post kicked the turbo of your heart and making your BP past the redline sir doc. Note the IMHO on my post. But that was true right?

Don't feed the troll.

Breathe deeply and IGNORE.

[baludoy]

New trains for commuters

COMMUTERS to Tutuban in Manila from Bicutan in Taguig and back now may ride air-conditioned trains that take only 45 minutes to cover the distance and charge only P16 one way.

State-run Philippine National Railways has three of the new Commuter Express coaches and has 15 more coming from South Korea. It is also refurbishing 30 of its old coaches at a cost of P5.3 million per coach.

The first train leaves Tutuban at 6 a.m. and Bicutan at 6:40 a.m. Six trains leave the two stations between 6 a.m. and 7 a.m., and then restart at 3:30 p.m. for Tutuban and at 4:47 p.m. for Bicutan.

“The trains are still very crowded especially during rush hours, but hopefully the situation will improve once more trains are running,” said Estelito Nierva, Railways’ operations manager.

“We will definitely improve the system.”

Many commuters had been wary of taking the trains for years because people occupying the squatter shanties facing the railroad tracks used to throw garbage—even feces—at the coaches each time they passed. The old coaches were also open, allowing anyone to get in and giving rise to thefts and holdups.

“The lack of doors meant anybody could get in,” Nierva said.

“Now that the trains are new and clean, we have not had one report of anyone throwing garbage at them. We also have not had any reports of holdups. I guess when anybody can just jump into the train, that’s unavoidable.”

The new coaches, the refurbishment of old trains, the rehabilitation of the old tracks and the construction of new ones resulted from a deal between the Philippine government and the Korean Export-Import Bank.

Railways had ordered 18 coaches from Hyundai Rotem Co., an affiliate of the Korea-based Eukor Car Services. The new’ trains interiors resemble those of luxury buses with fiberglass seats on the sides and an LCD TV in the middle.

The old trains will be refurbished and then used for the Tutuban-Bicol route, Nierva says.

Railways chairman Michael Defensor earlier said that the goal was for trains to leave at 10-minute intervals from Kalookan to Alabang, a distance of 21 kilometers.

Railways is clearing the perimeter of the railroad tracks of squatters and upgrading the tracks. The cost of rehabilitating the tracks from Tutuban to Bicol has been estimated at $300 million to make them at par with those in New York and Rome.

Nierva says Railways has outsourced the security for the trains and stations. The coaches travel with security escorts to help keep passengers safe.

Railways is also studying its ticketing system to avoid crowding and the scrambles to get into the trains, she says. Dinna Chan Vasquez

posted by sir happosai at another forum

[4wrider]

With the woeful condition of public transport, news of PNR breathing again is great news! I hope us pinoys wont botched the next election to give ourselves and our kids a better future. With all the warts and wrongs PGMA has, she still was able to at least move the economy a little forward. Even with dressed-up economic figures, we can see that middle class must have grown considering the volume of cars on the road, whether parked or moving. The principal reason why poor remains a lot more than others is simply because they breed faster. We just have to bear with it, since we live in a country greatly influenced by unmarried clergy who delight in others having children a plenty.

[KERSMcRae]

OT:
I did some "bing" regarding CO$T per Km of (mydream) MagLev line for my beloved country Philippines.

Per estimate by its Designers (Germany), it is pegged at $20M/km*.
The actual cost of Shanghai's 30-km system is $40M/km. Not bad.

*How I wish this can be an option for the NorthRail Project.

[jpdm]

Eventually, PNR will buy brand trains for the entire Tutuban-Bicol line..

Right now, the idea is to refurbish old stocks (Japan-made coaches) and rebuild diesel locos locally.


In the long term, hopefully, the Philippines can build and develop its railway network and its railway capability.

Maglevs are very expensive. And not practical.

[KERSMcRae]

Eventually, PNR will buy brand trains for the entire Tutuban-Bicol line..

Right now, the idea is to refurbish old stocks (Japan-made coaches) and rebuild diesel locos locally.


In the long term, hopefully, the Philippines can build and develop its railway network and its railway capability.

Maglevs are very expensive. And not practical.

You're right sir. PNR was featured this morning at UKG. As you said, refurbishing is their main program (to date).

Update:
I did some google-bing search regarding CO$T of railway system (maglev and conventional tracks) for comparison.

Shanghai Maglev:*
Cost(actual): $1.2B
Length: 30Km double track
Cost/Km: $40M
Type: Magnetic Levitation

RP NorthRail Project**
Cost (budget): $503M >utang, not sure if SOP (tongpats) inclusive
Length: 32Km double track
Cost/Km: around $16M/Km.
Type: conventional steel rails

* Shanghai's proposed extension would cost $25M/Km. Unlike here in Manila, Shanghai has poor soil-bearing capacity, that's why the support columns (plus piles/caissons) of their above grade tracks are closely spaced.

** NorthRail project is going overbudget too because of clearing ROW , paying lot owners and others.
"It's like buying a pre-owned sedan at the price of a Prius."

[jpdm]

I think PNR is doing the right thing now. With limited budget, its better to bring back first the railtracks and bring the rail services as soon as possible.

Traffic in SLEX and in Metro Manila is really terrible and the PNR is a very very good alternative-in fact should be the main mode of transportation in the Metro and all over the country.

The refurbishment of trains is the best option (which cost around 5 million pesos each with local employment and materials as added benefits) instead of buying a new coach that will cost the PNR 100 million pesos (the Korean brand new DMU costs around 150 million pesos).

Soon, the Northrail will start full blast construction.

PNR will put up additional rail not only for passenger but for freight use.

[jpdm]

In the same public hearing on Gordon’s bill, PNR chairman Mike Defensor pledged his agency’s support to the development of the Subic-Clark growth corridor.


As a concrete manifestation of its support, Defensor said the PNR will be starting the Northrail project next month to enhance the benefits of the SCTEx and encourage more trade and livelihood opportunities in the Central and Northern Luzon regions.


He added that, in particular, the Northrail project will further boost existing means to transport commuters and products in the area.


Philippine Star
August 27, 2009
by Bebot Sison Jr.

Hope Northrail will be finished soon