Trip: PNR Commuter Train

Date Budget: PhP 20
Actual Spend: PhP 20
Quality: 3/5
Service: 3/5
Accessibility: 5/5
Fun Factor: 5/5
Overall Experience: 4/5

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Highlights 

• Cheapest and fastest way to get to Alabang: only PhP10 per person from Pasay Road, Makati!
• New air-conditioned trains
• One really bumpy ride: not for the faint hearted

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The Experience 
Kirsten and I have planned to ride the Philippine National Railways (PNR) train going to Alabang months back. We finally had time for this adventure so here it is.

PNR is definitely the cheapest way to get to Alabang at PhP10 per person, a lot less compared to the PhP70+ aircon bus fare. Travel time is also a lot faster compared to riding a city bus (especially during rush hour). The stations don't look bad either with some renovations done in recent years.

Unlike MRT and LRT stations, security is not as tight at PNR thus you need to take extra guard on your belongings. Tickets are made of paper unlike the LRT magnetic cards. No stored value cards here, no long lines too! There are no tall foot bridges too: just plain rail tracks to cross!

We learned that PNR uses Electric Multiple Units (EMUs) and Diesel Multiple Units (DMUs) for their commuter operations (thanks to my cousin who happens to be a great train fan). EMUs are similar to the ones used by MRT and LRT, though PNR uses a diesel engine to tow the trains due to lack of overhead electricity source. We saw one on the other side (going to Tutuban):

These EMU coaches were donated by Japan a few years back. We were somehow lucky to ride brand new DMU units made by Hyundai in 2009 (don't mind the sleepyhead).

The train was very spacious similar to LRT Line 2 coaches (which I think were made by Hyundai too). Air-conditioning was good and the standard fittings (seats, handrails, etc) were all there. Kudos to the Korean train maker!

 

The ride was fun though the view was obstructed by steel screens, which (sad to say) were necessary to provide protection for the train's glass windows and the passengers as well. We still got to enjoy the "new" scenery though.

Overall, it was a bang for the buck. But be warned: this train is not for the faint hearted! Though most the trains are relatively new, the tracks aren't! If you plan to ride this train, get ready for a really bumpy ride. A backup supply of motion sickness medication may come in handy.

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Spend Breakdown

Train Tickets (for two)	20
Actual Spend	20

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How to get there

1. From MRT Ayala Station, walk towards Parksquare Jeepney Terminal via SM Makati.
2. Ride a Libertad jeep from the Parksquare Jeepney terminal. Get off at SLEX corner Pasay Road (after Don Bosco and Waltermart Makati)
3. Walk towards PNR Pasay Road Station.
   Note: You can also ride a Mantrade jeep from Greenbelt (passes directly in front of PNR Pasay Road Station) or you can walk to PNR EDSA Station from MRT Magallanes Station.
   Landmarks: Waltermart Makati, Don Bosco, Skyway, SLEX
   Address:
   Pasay Road corner SLEX
   Makati City, Philippines
   Contact Number:
   (632) 319-0045
   Operating Hours: First commuter train leaves Tutuban at 6am, last train leaves Biñan at 6pm
   Note: First and last commuter trains for the day are non-airconditioned. Train arrives every 30 minutes. 

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