HOW TO GET TO MAKATI FROM CALOOCAN IN 37 MINUTES FOR ONLY P15
Based on reports, Metro Manila’s night-time population of 12.9 million rises to 15 million during daytime as people from the outskirts find their way to Metropolitan Manila for work. Living in congested Metro Manila that is made up of 16 cities and 1 municipality can be stressful especially for commuters.
Having an efficient mass transit system such as city buses, trolleybuses, trams, passenger trains, rapid transit and ferries similar to more developed countries is a must. Further, having a high-speed rail network connecting the different provinces to the center of commerce will certainly ease congestion and traffic in Metro Manila.
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I have been to several countries where majority of the people use an efficient mass transit system primarily because it is available and convenient. In Nagoya, Japan, for example, from my hotel window, what I thought was a main thoroughfare like EDSA (Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue) was actually a complex system of multiple railways from as far as the eye could see.
When I visited Seoul, South Korea, I did not see so many pedestrians walking the city streets. I thought it was just because of the cold weather. On my second day, I went for a stroll to explore. I discovered that the buildings were interconnected underground by tunnels and that there was a complex subway system servicing the city. People shuttled in and out of the city using subways. There was even a subway station connected to my hotel that could take me straight to the airport.
Dubai also has a metro. When I visited Dubai, I preferred using it when I traveled to and fro Sharjah.
When I visited Malaysia this year, I took the KLIA Express from the international airport to Kuala Lumpur. It was more expensive than taking the bus but certainly faster and more convenient. Click here for my blog and vlog entry when I visited Malaysia.
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The Philippine National Railways (PNR) is government-owned. Based on my research, it began its operations on November 24, 1892. Then, it was called Ferrocarril de Manila-Dagupan and then later adapted the name Manila Railroad Company when the Americans took over from the Spaniards. It was officially inaugurated as the Philippine National Railways on June 20, 1964.
PNR used to service the La Union-Bicol route with a track stretching 1,100 kilometers. Over the years, truth be told, PNR became inefficient with the neglect of previous administrations coupled by damage caused by informal settlers and super typhoons. Currently, the Manila-Bicol Services are suspended.
Fast forward to 2018, after more than 20 years, the Caloocan-Dela Rosa Line has finally reopened. This is certainly a big help in providing commuters a faster and better alternative to get from North to South and vice versa in Metropolitan Manila.
If one lives in Caloocan and works in Makati, there is now a more convenient means of shuttling to and fro. For only a flat fare of P15.00, one can get to Makati from Caloocan in merely 37 minutes in an air-conditioned coach (P12.00 for regular).
The Caloocan-Dela Rosa Shuttle Train Service has three coaches. Aside from the train conductor, there are at least two roving marshals on board to ensure the safety and security of the passengers.
The Caloocan-Dela Rosa Line stops ONLY at the following stations:
- Asistio Station
- 5th Avenue Station
- Solis Station
- Blumentritt Station
- Espana Station
- Sta. Mesa Station
- Dela Rosa Station
Watch the short vlog below posted on my Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/joeljawsandrada/videos/1922114591178529/
For better definition, watch it on Youtube.
Below are the train schedules of the Caloocan-Dela Rosa Shuttle Train Service.
Below are the Train Schedules for C3/5th Avenue and Solis Stations.
I also met new friends at the Asistio Train Station while doing my vlog.
Bomb jokes are not allowed while on board and at the stations. It is punishable by law with five (5) years imprisonment or P 40,000 or both.
I left Asistio Station at 3:45 PM and arrived at the Dela Rosa Station at 4:23 PM as scheduled. The train left and arrived on time. I said 4:25 on the vlog because that was the time that I saw on my wrist watch after taking some footage upon arrival.
From what I have read, the reopening of the Caloocan-Dela Rosa Line of the PNR is just
the beginning of better things to come. Rehabilitation of the North and South Rails is already underway. Expected completion of the North Rail that will connect Metro Manila to Bulacan and Pampanga via the Tutuban-Clark Line is 2021. Pre-construction started in January 2018.
I look forward to the day when there are less cars on the road and more people taking mass transportation because it is more convenient.
Stay updated by liking my Page and subscribing to this blog. Special thanks to the official Facebook Page of the Philippine National Railways for sharing my vlog. For more information about the ongoing and upcoming projects of PNR, visit their website by clicking here.
Signing out for now. Peace!
