CHAPTER I

THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

Introduction
The Philippine National Railways (Pambansang Daangbakal ng Pilipinas) or PNR
is the oldest and the longest railway here in the Philippines. Its established way back
from July 31, 1887 and uninterruptedly until November 24, 1892 when the ManilaDagupan Line was inaugurated the first railroad in the Philippines was born, the origin of
the Philippine National Railways a hundred and twenty years ago. But the concept of
the Philippine National Railways actually started on June 26, 1875, when the
preparation of the general plan of the railroad on Luzon was authorized by a Royal
Decree of King Alfonzo XII of Spain. The concept of PNR led from the improvement and
progress of the Philippines as a colony of Spain.
The root cause of the political, economic and social atmosphere in the
Philippines at the time maybe described in capsule by the commentary, while Spain
meant well in her colonial policies as demonstrated by her benevolent laws and royal
decree, unfortunately these were seldom enforced by colonial officials, abuses
committed by officials in the Philippines were not known by the King of Spain. About
those periods were Filipino patriots like Jose Rizal, Marcelo H. Del Pilar, Graciano
Lopez Jaena, Antonio Luna and many other literary heroes who were all in Spain
working agitating for political reforms alleviation of economic miseries and generally for
the progress of their homeland. Their resolute efforts coupled with the colonial officials

of the Philippines to suppress the progressive in Spain for the progress of the
Philippines not suffering the faith of the previous benevolent laws and royal decree.
Through conventional time of the revolutionary periods, the PNR had witnessed
the unconventional warfare and sufferings from the two world wars. The FilipinoSpanish revolution, Spanish-American war and also the Death March on 1942. One of
the ways in order to build a strong nation is to create railways. And this railways system
connected town to town, transported goods, improve the lives of the Filipino people and
resulted in a progressive and productive community. Despite all the destructions and
conflicts the PNR stood still and remain intact. This would make us wonder why the
succession of Philippine presidents, including the current one, has neglected our only
train system, the Philippine National Railways (PNR).
As time goes by, a lot of problems came up. Some of the problems that the PNR
are facing nowadays are distorted and damaged trains, malfunctioning signalling
devices, informal settlers and in general its whole deteriorating service management.
Having said all these, the researchers made a study concerning about the factors that
affects the efficiency of Philippine National Railways to its commuters, specifically the
students of Polytechnic University of the Philippines as a primary sample in conducting
this research.

Background of the Study

Trains change the usual manner of travelling from one place to another place;
there have been many advantages. In day-to-day basis commuter rail is one of the
growing means of transportation in the country since it is a rapid transport within long
distance travel, they facilitate the increasing number of passengers, reduce national
dependence in high price oil imports and was considered that railways should have a
long term strategic plan especially nowadays when road congestion is one of the main
problem. These two commuter rail service, the PNR or the Philippine National Railways,
is a state owned company railway that operates a commuter rail services from Laguna
to Metro Manila. The other one is the Bicol service which is currently under rehabilitation
in preparation for the betterment of its services and eventually to extend from the
terminal in southern Albay. The well-patronized and existing commuter service in Metro
Manila is part of the metropolitan transit system and is also known as the Orange Line.
Recently, there have been a lot of reports about accidents in the PNR involving vehicles
and people crossing and have been hit and that the PNR is declining in terms of its
facilities and services.

Problem Statement
The PNR stood still against time, two world wars, natural calamities such as
typhoons, tidal waves, volcanic eruptions, and different administrations, its facilities and
service of the rail got worse and worse and with the demand of commuter rail within the
metro, it must be more efficient. An uncommon and interesting feature of the line

through Manila is that for almost its entire length are surrounded on both sides by
informal settlers.
The following are the questions which the researchers wants to determine in conducting
the research:

What are the problems faced by PNR in delivering its efficient performance?
What are the factors on the current condition of the Philippine National Railways

in providing its services?

What are the different procedures and steps for the improvement of the
Philippine National Railways system?

Significance of the Study

The significance of this study are the following:

To the Polytechnic University of the Philippines community, it can help and

secure the students who are always riding the train in going to school everyday.
To the society, many accidents have been reported; therefore the solution can

make PNR safe for everyone and it can help in the development of Manila.
The study will also be of such a great help to students especially to PUP
community who want to do studies for the same topic or improving the studies
already presented.

Theoretical Framework
According to DOTC Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya, To sustain the rapid growth
of the Philippine economy, we need to continue improving mobility across cities and
provinces through efficient and dependable mass transit infrastructure. Thus, the role of
4

the Philippine National Railways (PNR) is to provide this mobility at minimum passenger
and freight prices. I acknowledge the commitment of the PNR management, under the
stewardship of General Manager Joseph Allan C. Dilay, to steer railway transportation
towards further innovation and development.
Abaya added, As the PNR begins another chapter in its already colorful history, I
am confident that it will keep delivering safe, convenient and affordable transportation
services to the Filipino people.
All over the world, the train is the cheapest mode of transportation and carries
the most passengers and cargoes. It was the train that helped open the American Wild
West. In America, continental Europe, China, the Indian subcontinent, and the islandcontinent of Australia, it is the train that connects the cities to towns. The cold
wastelands of Siberia in Russia cannot be traversed without the train. That is why I do
not understand why a succession of Philippine presidents, including the current one,
has neglected our only train system, the Philippine National Railways (PNR).
The charter of the PNR will expire on June 30, one month from now. If it is not
extended, the PNR will be dissolved and its assets soldthe carcasses of its
locomotives and coaches will be sold by the kilo to junk shops, and its vast landholdings
will be auctioned off by the square meter, to the delight of the greedy land developers.
Mr. Neal H. Cruz of the Philippine Daily Inquirer said that PNRs charter must be
extended, and the institution which can do that is Congress. But the members of
Congress are now in the midst of trying to protect themselves from prosecution and
prison terms as continuing revelations on the pork barrel scam expose more and more
5

members of Congress as having received kickbacks from Janet Lim Napoles,

mastermind of the P10-billion scam, in exchange for allocating some of their pork barrel
to her bogus nongovernment organizations. Therefore, they have neither time nor
energy to attend to the extension of PNRs charter.
Conceptual Framework

Measure the
efficiency of
PNR services
Know the
existing
problems faced
by the PNR
Perception of
passengers about
the PNR

Input

Proce
Randomss
survey
within the

passengers
Empirical
observation of
facilites in the PNR
Sta. Mesa Station
Analysis and
interpretation of
the data gathered

Solutions to the
problem
statement
Recommendation
on improvement
of PNR

Outpu
t

Scope and Limitation

The study will cover the factors in measuring the efficiency of PNR, the kind of
services received by the commuters, the quality of the current facilities, current
state/condition of PNR, and the possible solution on the problems faced by the railway
6

system, particularly in the Sta. Mesa Station. This study will find out if the operational
condition of the PNR is still efficient to its commuters. The study will not include the
structural design and possible improvements of the facility of the Philippine National
Railways. The study will focus on the stations in Metro Manila area only. The provincial
stations, Laguna and Bicol, will not be included.
Definition of Terms
Efficiency- is the extent to which time, effort, or cost is well-used for the intended task
or function. It often comprises specifically the capability of a specific application of effort
to produce a specific outcome effectively with a minimum amount or quantity of waste,
expense, or unnecessary effort.
Dynamic- characterized by constant change
Convenient- procedures, products and services are those intended to increase ease
in accessibility,

save resources

(such

as time,

effort

and energy)

and

decrease frustration.
Scope- the extent of the area

CHAPTER II
Review of Related Literature and Studies

The significance of reviewing materials below local studies and literature is

to compare and avoid if there is duplication and also as a basis for more information
that is needed to be research and explored. Our study mainly focuses on the efficiency
of PNR to its commuters especially a mass population of PUP community. We are also
reconsidering how to improve the growth and developments needed in PNR. This
reviews are, see to it, examined.
A. Local Studies
Damaged railroad tracks, temporarily affecting operations, caused the derailment
of a southbound Philippine National Railways (PNR) train, according to a government
official. De Quiros said that findings indicated that the wooden railroad tracks, a plankshaped support that aids keep rails aligned, were damaged. There is wear-and-tear
especially for the tracks and rail bonds, De Quiros said. One reason is the ascending
number of trips so it may have overworked that portion. This is leading issue which
indicates inconvenient and unprogressive operation from government.
The PNR was once Luzons primary railway operative with over 797 kilometers
connecting La Union down to Bicol but decades of neglect and destruction from natural
calamities slowly slashed its coverage. PNR spokesman said that it was reviving train
services to Legaspi, Albay. De Quiros confirmed that the idea was still a go as of the
moment, adding that a test run was conducted.
The new law amended RA 4156 that, authorized the creation of the national
railway corporation, extending PNRs corporate life signed by President Benigno S. C.

Aquino III that will extend the corporate life of the Philippine National Railways (PNR) for
another 50 years, a Malacaang official confirmed on June 16, 2014. By this there is still
much time for improvements and recommendations.
The bill was tagged by Malacaang as crucial to prevent halting its operation.
PNR operates rail services in Metro Manila and the Bicol Region. The PNR operates
commuter lines from Tutuban to Sta. Rosa, Laguna cover 23 stations over a stretch of
50 kilometers and from Naga to Sipocot with route length of 35 kilometers. But currently,
the Bicol route is under rehabilitation to ensure safety of passengers and the tours after
the government in 2012 has indeterminately suspended its operations until its safety
can be guaranteed when of the PNRs Bicol Express service trains was derailed in
Quezon province harming nine passengers.
The DOTC assured it will push for the addition of PNR life to help ease traffic
which worsened due to the two major infrastructure projects in Metro Manila. Compared
to jeepneys and buses that charge P2 per kilometer, the PNR provides the cheapest
mode of transportation by charging only 71 centavos per kilometer. Advocates in the
Senate have said the PNR provides a mass fare service at the cheapest cost to 80,000
to 100,000 commuting public daily. About 20 million per year or 55, 400 commuters daily
were serviced by PNR trains, PNR records showed, according to Imee Charlee C.
Delavin, on Philippine Inquirer, which proves that it is one of the main mode of
transportation.
The government will authorize the private sector the rehabilitation of the
Philippine National Railways (PNR), which is estimated to cost at least P300 billion,
9

according to Transportation Secretary Jose Emilio Abaya. Abaya announced here that
rebuilding the 122-year-old PNR would be done through the Aquino administrations
public-private partnership (PPP) program, which allows private entities to build
government groundwork to save on government funds. The project to make a modern
railway would take at minimum four years to complete. Rehabilitation requires repair of
current railways, manufacture of new ones and acquisition of more trains.
The 122-year-old PNR is the oldest railway in Southeast Asia, which to Abaya,
presents two sides of the coin: It is very historic but very old. The government is
currently restoring the 478-kilometer rail trail commuter service that used to run from
Tutuban station to Legazpi City. His department needed a third-party assessment to
make sure that the current railway was safe and sound for commuter trips up to
Camarines Sur province. Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo said the people of the
province were looking forward to the reviving of the Naga station.
Sen. Cynthia Villar also said reviving the full operations of the PNR, which was
established as a Ferrocarril de Manila-Dagupan during the Spanish colonial period,
could require moneys to come from loans and government equity. Also PNR wanted to
resume its operations in La Union and up to Sorsogon. Local government units in
Southern Tagalog and Bicol are very supportive because the rail is the least expensive
mode of transportation, cheaper than buses and jeepneys, she said.
Lawyer Oliver San Antonio said What the government should first do, he said, is
rehabilitate the rail system which millions of Metro Manila citizens rely on as their main

10

mode of transportation, according to literary conduct of Juan Escandor Jr., Inquirer

Southern Luzon and Jerome Aning in Manila.
The surveyed materials are as recent as possible, reviewed objectively and
unbiased, relevant to the study and also based upon genuinely original and true facts or
data to make them valid and reliable. The sources are all focal like libraries especially
government and school, books, articles, manuscript, and other unpublished theses and
dissertations. All this past conducted studies are been reviewed and revised; it shows
no similar research specified that will tend duplication of studies but same related
revisions. It is mostly authored by professional researchers, based on their own
standing and investigation. This only serve as a foundation of the proposed study that
guide, we, the researcher in pursuing such research venture.
B. Local Literature
The scenery of the countryside, the lands of hills and coconut trees, the
peacefulness of remote villages, sights of the sea and high bridges these were some
of the scenes that were exceptional to passengers aboard a Philippine National
Railways (PNR) train. Watching through the glass windows, passengers saw folks who
lived near the railways children playing, women busy with their laundry, and men
taking their relaxation after a hard days work waving their hands as the train went
past them. Some of them covered their ears as they heard the loud sounds of furious
metal and blows of the siren.
The long wait for commuters who longing non-stop travel from Metro Manila to
Bicol province might be over as renovated PNR trains are expected to be up and
11

running. PNRs Manila to Bicol services have stopped operating since 2006 because of
the damages caused by typhoon Milenyo and Reming, but up to now, which shows slow
management control.
PNR General Manager Jun Ragragio, in an interview during the trial run,
encouraged passengers to support the restoration of the Manila-Bicol train line saying it
is a cheap alternative to buses. Our fares are cheaper compared to buses because
PNR does not pay the SLEX [Southern Luzon Expressway] toll fees, he said. Plus our
coaches are wider compared to buses. But our research focus on the efficiency such
as the convenient service provided. He said the trial run was part of a major PNR
project which aimed to fully restore operations in the main line south railway system.
As part of PNRs security measures, Ragrario said they would not be allowing
merchants to enter the train as dining carts would be offered. First aid kits are also
available, he added. There are two trained and armed rail police officers assigned in
every trip to ensure the security of travelers, said Ragrario. Our duty is to escort and
assist the passengers and to secure them from pick-pockets and accidents, said
Mariano Baguio Jr. who has been employed as a rail police for two years. There were
also linemen assigned in every kilometer to inspect the safety of rails, said Ragrario.
Director Manager Constencio Toledano Sr., PNR Bicol area, said their fare was
40 percent cheaper than other means of transportation. Toledano noted that their
regular fare to and from Manila to Edsa is P10; Manila to Bicutan, P15; Manila to Sucat
and Alabang, P20.

12

A public school teacher and UP graduate student who was also onboard the train
during the trial run, said people would certainly support the PNR if they would certify a
safe, reliable, comfortable, and fast train ride. He said the restoration of the Manila to
Bicol train line would be a big help for commuters who seek convenience for long
distance travel. Thats why we are continuing our policy of being aggressive in asking
for more donations from other countries, he said. Lack of government support is the
main issue.
Ragragio said more funds were needed to make the railway system more intact
but the PNR is making the most of what we have. He said it was better for them to
revive old trains instead of buying new ones since it would cost less and would allow
them to contribute to the economy. Reviving old trains enable the PNR to provide job
opportunities and improve our technology, he said.
He emphasized the need for more trains for the PNR to provide more services to
around 300,000 commuters. PNR could only provide services for around 50,000
passengers due to lack of trains, he said.
Travelling by train reminds me of different events from our industrial history,
Jaime Tiongson, former president and treasurer of the organization, said. He said that
ever since, the growth and development of a country was characterized by the quality of
its railway systems.
The spirit was eager, but the diesel-fed old engines were not. The engines are
timeworn so they shut down, said locomotive operator Romeo Caucil in explaining the

13

cause of engine failure, revealing that the engines were bought in Singapore in 1987
and would easily overheat.
According to the National Economic and Development Authority, the first phase
of the project would involve rehabilitation and renovation of 89 percent of the
southbound railway tracks from Calamba City in Laguna to Legazpi City in Albay. This
would cover 422.662 km at a cost of $627.81 million. Under the second phase, a
112.23-km rail line will be constructed from Legazpi to Matnog in Sorsogon. It will cost
$304.23 million, as research conducted by Christine O. Avendao in Manila
PNR marks 122 years with greater plans for 2015. The celebration is held at the
central office of PNR at the Tutuban Station awarding of PNR employees for their loyalty
and commitment to service through the years led by PNR General Manager Engr.
Joseph Allan Dilay and officials PNR is all about progress. Every year, passenger
ridership increases and we have to cope with the demand and the changing times. It is
no longer the alternative mode of transportation, but we aim to be the main mode of
transportation even outside Metro Manila, explained Dilay. For the next 50 years, we
aim to not only double, but triple, and maybe even more, our capacity to serve the
needs of our riding public and meet the demands of the economy, he added. This is
mostly for the improvement of various PNR infrastructure and facilities, including the
repair of rolling stocks to better serve the riding public. Hopefully, in the years to come,
PNR can procure brand new rolling stocks and, at the same time, improve and build
new railway tracks, Dilay said.

14

PNR has remained strong throughout the changes from steam engine to diesel
through world wars, revolutions and calamities that caused interruption on railroad
operations. The people patronizing PNR are the inspiration that keeps the trains
running, over the last 122 years. But all it needed is a much attention to make again a
full operation, not maintenance only.
Based from professional journals, newspapers and other publications, this collected
work or literature helps us search for or selecting a better research problem or topic. By
reviewing related materials, a replication of a similar problem may be found than the
problem already chosen. This helps understand our topic for research better which
clarify vague points about some problems. It ensures that there will be no duplication of
other studies or literature. It guides in locating more sources of related information, and
also in making comparison between our findings with the findings of other researchers
on similar studies with the end view of formulating generalizations or principles which
are the contributions of the study to the fund of knowledge.
C. Foreign Studies
According to O.P. Agarwal, Ajay Kumar INSTITUTIONAL LABYRINTH: BEYOND
ESTABLISHING LEAD URBAN TRANSPORT INSTITUTIONS. It was argued in the
paper that the key to effective coordination is to establish lead urban 64 transport
institutions that encompass multiple jurisdictions, functions, and modes. There are
integration issues faced by the existing rail network of Metro Manila. These include a
lack of physical integration between stations and lack of an integrated ticketing system,
necessitating purchase of a new ticket at each transfer. The public transport network

15

has evolved over the years without any comprehensive attempt at responding to user
needs.
Urban transport reform in Metro Manila has been challenging for various
reasons, in particular lack of coordination among the planning, financing, regulatory, and
implementing agencies. A number of agencies at the national, metropolitan, and local
levels are involved in the delivery of infrastructure and services.
According to Research for future Railway Systems. Efficient and competitive rail
transportation is crucial for achieving environmental and economic goals. To ensure the
necessary efficiency and quality, railway must be extended according to requirements
and bottlenecks must be eliminated. Greater energy efficiency will further enhance the
environmental benefits of rail transport.
A comprehensive perspective in rail systems research requires an approach that
does not focus solely on technology, it also considers humans as a crucial impact factor.
The Institute of Transportation Systems defines the human as the starting point for its
interdisciplinary research on the overall rail system. Whenever we examine the
workplace of a train driver, a rail traffic manager or a control center operator, we take
into account humans with all their strengths and weaknesses. The aim is to develop
innovative concepts of human-machine interaction in the railway sector.
D. Foreign Literature
The new dynamic sign" tells drivers a train is coming -- so don't try to cut across
the tracks! A red light apparently just wasn't enough. New Jersey Transit recently
installed a sign at the Paterson Plank Light Rail crossing in Hoboken, which warns cars
when light rail trains are approaching. There have been several car + Light Rail
collisions at that intersection in the past. In a press release she sent out yesterday, 4th
Ward Councilwoman Dawn Zimmer said she is pleased NJ Transit installed the sign.
16

Zimmer said that after the accidents, she called on NJ Transit to improve safety at the
crossing. "These improvements are a step forward in making Hoboken a safer place to
walk, bike and drive. But there is much more to do," said Zimmer in the press release.
Zimmer is also currently working to resolve issues with the timing of the Marshall Street
light, installing better lighting and cameras at the 2nd Street Light Rail stop to reduce
crime, and install stanchions at the most dangerous intersections in the Fourth Ward.
The most complex section is the central business district (CBD) stretch. This
street-level section contains 13 crossings at grade, the remainder of the network has 42
level crossings.
Intersections in the CBD are equipped with train signals linked to traffic lights.
Additionally, several intersections have special traffic lights to restrict specific vehicle
movements while trains are passing. Outside the CBD, signals are the traditional threecolour (red, amber, green) type, with level crossings protected by flashing red lights and
gates. Cab signalling integrated with emergency braking is to be introduced on DART
LRVs.

Based from professional journals, newspapers and other publications, this

collected work and literature helps us search for or selecting a better research problem
or topic. By reviewing related materials, a replication of a similar problem may be found
than the problem already chosen. This helps understand our topic for research better
17

which clarify vague points about some problems. It ensures that there will be no
duplication of other studies or literature. It guides in locating more sources of related
information, and also in making comparison between our findings with the findings of
other researchers on similar studies with the end view of formulating generalizations or
principles which are the contributions of the study to the fund of knowledge.

CHAPTER 3
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Research Design
18

The gathered data and with its methodologies were done by observation and
survey which served as the primary data suitable for determining the efficiency measure
of the PNR.

Population and Sample Size

The survey data were taken in the participation of 50 students from the
Polytechnic University of the Philippines who ride PNR in going to school.
Methods of Collecting Research Data
For this research, the researchers agreed that descriptive method of research
will be used and applied in this research. Data gathering will be based on empirical
observations and random survey sampling. Survey sampling for this research is that the
researchers conducted a survey from the passengers of the commuter rail particularly
who rides from the Sta. Mesa Station. Survey questionnaires will be handed out to them
as a mean in conducting this kind of technique. Data gathered from this survey will be
tabulated per question and will be analyzed by the researchers to bring necessary
information.

Research Instruments
For this research paper, the instruments necessary for this study are random
survey and empirical observation method.
1. Random Survey
The researchers conducted survey questionnaire among the target
respondents. These respondents are the passengers of the commuter rail. It

19

is conducted in the Sta. Mesa station. A survey is conducted to know their

view and perspective about the efficiency measure of the PNR.
2. Empirical Observation
The researchers also made an empirical observation on the management,
services and facilities of the Philippine National Railway. The researchers
observed the current situation of the commuters inside Sta. Mesa Station.
Also, the researchers rode PNR back and forth from Sta. Mesa Station and
Pandacan Station.
Analytical Framework
An analytical framework for the study was conceptualized to allow a detailed and
systematic evaluation of the gathered data which came from the statement of the
problem, going through the main objective of the research, up to the suggested and
proposed solutions.

20

Statement
Problem

of

Objective
Setting

Review of
Review
R
elated
Related
Literature
Literature

Data

Collection

Data

Analysis

Conclusion and
Recommendatio
Recommendatio
n

21

CHAPTER 4
REPRESENTATION, ANALYSIS, AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA

This chapter will try to discuss and analyze the different data that the researchers
have gathered throughout the study. Pie charts will be used to show percentage or
proportional data represented by each category provided next to the corresponding slice
of pie. This will be used to present the results that we had per question in our survey.
This part of the research will also include descriptive statistics for the relevant variables
using different graphs of the results.
Findings
Are you satisfied with the current ticketing system of PNR?

14% 6%

Very Satisfied
Satisfied
35%

Fair
Poor

45%

Recently, there has

been news about accidents, demand, and the expiration of the PNR charter.
Researchers have observed and conducted a survey the commuter rail regarding their
opinions on the status of the facilities and efficiency of the services. The researchers
targeted to have 50 students of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines inside Sta.
Mesa Station to get their responses.
22

6% of the survey respondents said they are very satisfied with the current ticketing
system of PNR and 35% said they are satisfied while 45% said fair and 14% are not
satisfied.

Are you satisfied with the provision of information about train schedules and arrivals?

20%

6%

Very Satisfied
28%

Satisfied
Fair
Poor

46%

23

6% of the survey respondents said they are very satisfied with the provision of
information about train schedules and arrivals, 28% said they are satisfied while 46%
said fair and 20% are not satisfied.

Are you satisfied with the quality of the current facilities of the PNR?
(Trains, train station, waiting area, comfort room, etc.)

Very Satisfied
Satisfied

17% 10%

Fair
24%

Poor

49%

10% of the respondents with quality of the current facilities of PNR and 24% are
satisfied, 49% said just or fair and 17% are not satisfied.
24

Are you satisfied with the security inside the train station?

28%

Very Satisfied

10%
20%

Satisfied
Fair
Poor

43%

10% of the survey respondents are very satisfied with the security inside the train
station, 20% said they are satisfied while 43% said fair and 27% are not satisfied.

25

Are you satisfied with the security during travel inside the trains?

24%

Very Satisfied

8%
24%

Satisfied
Fair
Poor

45%

8% of the survey respondents are very satisfied with the security inside the trains during
the trip while 23% are satisfied while 45% said fair and 24% are not satisfied.

26

Are you satisfied with the punctuality/reliability (i.e. departing and arriving on time) of the PNR?

Very Satisfied

6%
35%

24%

Satisfied
Fair
Poor

35%

How does PNR satisfies/helps to ease your burden in school?

10%

22%

22%

Very Satisfied
Satisfied
Fair
Poor

47%

6%

of

the survey respondents said that they are very satisfied with the punctuality/reliability of
the PNR while 25% are satisfied, 35% are fair and 35% are not satisfied.

21% of the survey respondents said they are very satisfied that PNR helps to ease their
burden in school, 37% are satisfied while 22% said Fair and 10% are not satisfied.

27

Are you satisfied with the cleanliness inside the train station?

20%

12%

Very Satisfied
Satisfied
Fair

31%

Poor

37%

In the Scale of 1-5, 5 being the highest, rate the overall satisfaction on PNR services.

17%
5

13%
3

23%

48%

12%
of the survey respondents said they are satisfied with the cleanliness inside the train
station while 37% said they are satisfied, 31% Fair and 20% are not satisfied.

The 50 respondents rated the overall satisfaction of the PNR services. Results showed
that 48% or the majority of the respondents rated 2, 23% answered 3, 12% for 4 and
none for 5.

28

Conclusion
The researches learned that majority of the passengers inside the Sta. Mesa
station includes students from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines. There are
also a lot of informal settlers along the right of way of the PNR which means more
possibility of accidents. Garbages are thrown at trains and tracks. When the
researchers ride from Sta. Mesa station to Pandacan Station, the following were
observed: the platform in the Sta. Mesa station is too short for the train resulting in
some of the commuters jump on the rail road when alighting the train, this also lead to
the entering passenger to jump inside just to ride on the train; another is the platform is
higher than the train that may cause the passengers to slip; surroundings are not clean
enough because trash can is not visible or there is no trashcan within the waiting area;
and some of the tracks are missing and its state could easily lead to derailment.

29

CHAPTER 5
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Conclusion
Philippine National Railways is undeniably the faster and most affordable mode
in traversing Manila area. At present, it is considered as one of the most in demand
public transportation especially for students. After conducting the study, the researchers
has analysed the results from the surveyed passengers, and has concluded that even
many passengers well patronized the PNR; passengers are not satisfied with the
efficiency of PNR, they think that the administration can do more to improve its current
services. People want more efficient services from the PNR. Passengers are not
satisfied with the ticketing system, they also want to feel safer and secure inside the
train station and the trains during trip, the facilities inside railcars are not comfortable
and the space is not enough to cater the volume of passengers especially during rush
hours. The factors in the current condition of the PNR in providing service are lack of
support from the government and poor management.
In total, the results from the research shows that PNR needs to improve the
efficiency of services. The PNR should add more ticket booths in order to ease on
buying tickets, security guards and staffs must be visible and CCTV cameras for
security purposes, the facilities should be hi-standards and make sure that it will last
longer, the PNR should also have more trash cans on the station and inside the rail cars
and should inspect regularly the system especially the brake to prevent delays on train

30

schedules and lastly the passengers suggested to add more railcars to increase the
capacity of the PNR.

Recommendations
To improve the efficiency of Philippine National Railways, the group recommends
that the concerned government agencies must regularly review the performance of PNR
and ensure that the trains work fine. There must be continuous monitoring in the
facilities, services and condition of its commuters. The government should also make
effective and strategic approaches, to meet its needs, and formulate policies with proper
implementations. Proper measures must be adopted to ensure overall success and
developments of PNR.
We also recommends of PNR management to file a petition on the government
to help acquisition of more carrying coaches or train cabin due to lack of operated fullset trains. Also to change the trains, old ones to new ones, for safety measures of the
passengers. It is best if they make use of air-conditions to be fresh as new sprout
flowers rather than a dusty air, they should provide clean and healthy environment not
just on the inside but also on the outside. Clean as green scenery for the passengers to
watch that will surely boost its competence and economy, the will turn a not just
transport system but also a joyride travelling tool.
With this, we think that it will not only boost the efficiency and effectiveness of
PNR system, but also will bring much profitable commerce and trade for every town it is
located and past on. By this we hypothetically ensure that it will not just transport people
to their destination but will also lead people to their success.

31

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Agarwal, Om Prakash, and Ajay Kumar. "INSTITUTIONAL LABYRINTH: BEYOND

ESTABLISHING LEAD URBAN 1 TRANSPORT INSTITUTIONS 2."TRANSPORT 2.3
(2015): 4.
Juan Escandor Jr., Inquirer Southern Luzon and Jerome Aning; Manila
McGraw-Hill, Urban mass transportation Planning, Alan Black; McGraw-Hill Series in
Transportation. McGraw-Hill, Inc. 1221 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020,
U.S.A., 1995
Transportation, Land Use and Urban Planning: LUSKIN SCHOOL OF PUBLIC
AFFAIRS, PP 220/UP 250: 2013
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Karsten Lemmer, Research for future Railway Systems, German
Aerospace Center Institute of Transportation Systems, Lilienthalplatz 7, 38108
Braunschweig Rutherfordstrae 2, 12489, Berlin
Verona D.L., PNR Express, 201, http://www.academia.edu/0137763
http://www.dlr.de/ts/Portaldata/16/Resources/bahnsysteme/en_TS_Bahnflyer_RZ.pdf
http://www.intechopen.com/books/reliability-and-safety-in-railway/a-systems-approachto-assurance-of-safety-security-and-sustainability-in-railways
http://www.mb.com.ph/pnr-to-fast-track-two-major-rail-projects/
http://opinion.inquirer.net/74715/save-our-only-railway-system
http://www.railway-technology.com/projects/dallas-dart-expansion

32

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/manila/local-news/2014/05/06/senators-pnr-expansion-willease-metro-s-transportation-burden-341510
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rail_transport_in_Singapore
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20090918-225735/Bicol-trainchugs-to-a-halt-in-test-run
By Juan Escandor Jr., Pons Caudilla
Philippine Daily Inquirer
https://www.facebook.com/pnrailways/posts/783928298319204
Source: Business World, Imee Charlee C. Delavin
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/654237/bringing-pnr-back-to-life-to-cost-p300b
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/632456/pnr-train-gets-derailed-no-injuries-reported
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/2672/reviving-the-%E2%80%98bicol-express
%E2%80%99/
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/639036/2-railway-woes-no-pnr-funds-overused-mrt

33