Pinoy-made hybrid train to start operations in February – PNR

The public will be able to catch a ride on the first-ever Filipino-made hybrid electric train this February, the Philippine National Railways (PNR) announced on Friday.

According to a "State of the Nation with Jessica Soho" report, the five-coach, fully air-conditioned train could accommodate up to 1000 passengers along the PNR's Calamba-Alabang line.

According to the Department of Science of Technology- Metals Industry Research and Development Center (DOST-MIRDC), the train was energy-efficient, and accounted for less carbon emissions as it was partially powered by batteries.

"Kapag po magbe-break po 'yung tren natin, 'yung mga motors, magfu-function as generator at 'yun po 'yung nagcha-charge sa battery natin. So 'yung battery natin tumutulong siya para paandarin 'yung train natin," project manager Engr. Pablo Acuin explained.

"Nagkakaroon ng load sharing yung diesel generators and batteries kaya magiging less 'yung fuel consumption and less din 'yung carbon emmissions natin." — Margaret Claire Layug/DVM, GMA News