(SPOT.ph) Commuting to and from Manila is far from easy. Possibly more so come April, once the provincial bus ban along EDSA is implemented. In any case, having alternative modes of transportation is always welcome. Here's good news for those seeking alternative modes of transportation, as the Department of Transportation led the groundbreaking ceremony today, February 15 for the construction of PNR Clark. According to the agency, the first phase of the railway is expected to be completed by 2021—cutting travel time from Manila to Bulacan from one hour and 30 minutes to only 35 minutes.
PNR Clark Phase 1 will have 10 stations spanning 38 kilometers, connecting Tutuban in Divisoria to Malolos in Bulacan. It is part of the government's North-South Commuter Railway project, which aims to connect Clark International Airport to Calamba in Laguna. The railway will be "seamlessly integrated" with the PNR Clark Phase 2 (running from Calumpit, Bulacan to Capas, Tarlac) and the PNR South Railway (running from Solis, Manila to Calamba, Laguna) forming one mega railway system serving commuters travelling to, from, and within Metro Manila and Regions III and IV-A.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has chosen Sumitomo-Mitsui Construction to build the rail line, the same corporation leading the MRT-3's rehabilitation.
this strange new world.
