After 20 years, PNR resumes Sangandaan, Caloocan-FTI Taguig route

The Philippine National Railways resumed its Sangandaan, Caloocan-FTI Taguig route on Monday, to the delight of passengers.

The PNR said they brought back the route in response to passengers' clamor, according to a report on Unang Balita on Tuesday by Susan Enriquez.

"Mataas na ang clamor na doon sa Sangandaan. Dati namang sa Sangandaan kasi talaga," said Joseline Geronimo, PNR acting operations manager.

GOOD NEWS: The Philippine National Railways (PNR) opens today the PNR Sangandaan (Samson Road) in Caloocan City to FTI Station in Taguig extending its existing PNR Caloocan-Dela Rosa line.

???? credits to: Joseline Geronimo, PNR Operations Dept#DOTrPH ????????#RailwaysSectorWorks pic.twitter.com/aGrFxtQqWC

— DOTrPH ???????? (@DOTrPH) September 10, 2018

The Department of Transportation said in a tweet that eight trains with a capacity of 850 passengers are servicing the route.

Around 7,000 passengers will be accommodated in this route, the DOTr said.

Eight (8) trains with a capacity of 850 would be fielded on the shuttle line and is expected to accommodate 7,000 passengers. Minimum fare will remain at PhP 15.00. #DOTrPH ????????#RailwaysSectorWorks

— DOTrPH ???????? (@DOTrPH) September 10, 2018

Ian Hidalgo, one of the route's passengers on Monday, said it usually takes him one and a half hour to get to Taguig by bus from Caloocan. With the new route, his travel time was cut to just around 30 minutes.

Mel Pucan, another passenger, said taking the PNR train costs less, from P47 by bus to less than P30 via PNR.

However, some of PNR's facilities such as waiting sheds and comfort rooms have yet to be improved.

"Kami naman ay humihingi ng pasensiya at umasa po kayo, itong mga dadating na linggo, itong mga dadating na buwan, maisasaayos po namin lahat ng facility ayon sa pangangailangan kung ano talaga basic na dapat meron ang isang train station," Geronimo said.

Passengers, however, said they do not mind the lack of facilities as long as service is good.

Four PNR trips run daily from Sangandaan, Caloocan to FTI Taguig: 5 a.m., 7 a.m., 3 p.m., and 5 p.m.

FTI Taguig to Sangandaan, Caloocan trips, meanwhile, run daily from 6 a.m., 8 a.m., 4 p.m., and 6 p.m.

Fares range from P15 to P25.

The trains will stop at 11 stations along the route.

The full trip from Sangandaan-Caloocan to FTI Taguig will take about one hour.

Before the end of 2018, PNR expects to extend its trips to Malabon. —KG, GMA News