State-owned Philippine National Railways (PNR) resumed operations today with six new trains as Metro Manila and other areas went into the General Community Quarantine (GCQ).

PNR general manager Junn Magno said six of the eight trains were Diesel Multiple Units (DMUs) from Indonesia.

“Bukod po sa pagiging mas ligtas at komportable ng mga ito, gawa sa PVC ang mga silya nito na mas madaling linisin at mas hindi kakapitan ng mga sakit (Aside from the train being safe and comfortable, the seats are made of PVC which make it easy to clean and will resist infection),” he said.

The old train models have fabric seats.

The DMU units, which were delivered in 2019 and early 2020, have a driving engine on each car-end for easier and smoother turns after every trip, Magno said.

Magno said the new trains’ route were Governor Pascual to Bicutan, Tutuban to Alabang, and Tutuban to Calamba.

In observance of health protocols, the trains will run at limited capacity and with physical distancing. Sticker marks direct passengers where they can sit or stand. (Jojo Mangahis)