The Philippine National Railways (PNR) San Pablo-Lucena route will unlock economic potentials and enhance mobility in Southern Luzon, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said Monday.

During his inspection of the PNR Lucena-San Pablo route, Tugade said aside from its use as a passenger commuter service, the PNR Lucena-San Pablo route can also be converted into a commercial or cargo freight service.

“Mahalaga rin po na sabihin na itong rutang ito ay convertible hindi lamang papuntang Bicol, kundi maging convertible na maging commercial route dito sa Lucena (This route is ‘convertible’, not just going to Bicol but also a commercial route going to Lucena),” he said.

Stalled for almost a decade, the PNR San Pablo-Lucena route is a 44-kilometer inter-provincial commuter railway which was part of the commuter train service to Bicol with stations and flag stops for daily commuters or short travels.

The commuter line ceased operations in October 2013 after the collapse of an abutment.

When operations resume, the line will have two terminal stations and four flag stops in between, with travel time of 1 hour and 32 minutes from Lucena to San Pablo.

Parts of the long-distance rail network’s right-of-way will also be utilized for the PNR South Long Haul Project or the “Bicol Express”.

PNR General Manager Junn Magno expressed his gratitude to the provincial governments of Laguna and Quezon for helping the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and PNR in “reaching the country’s aspirations in opening the mass transport.”

He said the PNR San Pablo-Lucena line would also open the economic corridors of Laguna, Quezon and Bicol to ensure economic equity and progress in Southern Luzon.

San Pablo City, Laguna Urban Development and Housing Officer Emilio Tirones said the PNR Lucena-San Pablo line would aid in various aspects of socio-economic development, including the city’s economic stability, mobility and connectivity and relocation for San Pablo City’s informal settlers.

In 2012, the rail line operated only once every two days, Tirones said.

“Kung may train, may connectivity at mobility ang bawat bayan gaya ng sinabi ni Secretary Tugade. At the same time, ‘yung economic aspects ng San Pablo—‘yung mga products namin madadala sa inter-province, sa Manila (If there is a train, every town will be connected. The economic aspects of San Pablo, our products will soon be delivered to other provinces and Manila),” he said, adding that the Lucena-San Pablo loop will operate 10 trips per day. (PNA)