The P120-million electric-powered train, the first of its kind to be made in the country, began yesterday its operations, hitting the Alabang to Calamba, Laguna route of the Philippine National Railways (PNR).

From May 6 to May 28, the hybrid electric train—first conceptualized under the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) five years ago—is undergoing a 150-hour validation test to ensure that it is ready for full commercial operations. Rides are free until then.

In a Facebook post, DOST’s Science and Technology Information Institute said 200 passengers will be accepted from the first and last stations while 75 can board at the other six stations. If this is strictly applied in the northbound and southbound routes, the train can accommodate at least 650 passengers.

The hybrid electric train will run three loops in one day, spanning 28 kilometers and eight stations. You can check the train’s arrival and departure schedules here.

The fare for the hybrid train, which has five fully air-conditioned cars, LED TV sets, sliding doors, and CCTV, is not yet finalized.

Header image courtesy of Marianne Bermudez/Inquirer.net

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