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PNR: On track for progress and development
The Philippine Star
|January 31, 2024
Progressive countries around the world, whether in Europe or Asia (just look at Japan, China, and Singapore, to name a few), know this for a fact: urban and economic development can be made faster, more extensive, less costly, and more efficient if a country has an extensive train system.
The urban planning trend that gained traction in the 1990s, called "Transit Oriented Design", was based on the truism that the best way to establish and expand cities is to do so along a modern railways system.
An extensive, expansive railways system solves many problems that Filipinos face today including traffic, pollution, and stress-related health problems.
It's a funny situation when you look at it: manufacturers are now selling more cars faster than the government can put out roads where the newly purchased cars can run on. And no matter how fancy or expensive your luxury car is, it's as useless as a budget, second-hand vehicle when you are stuck on EDSA for four hours.
All this traffic creates pollution and stress. it's no joke being late for work and getting wages docked; neither is getting home late at night, with little to no downtime left for yourself and with your loved ones. All this leads to physical and mental health problems.
In short, this country needs more trains and more train routes.
CULTURAL HERITAGE IN A RAILWAY SYSTEM
When we look back on our history, The Philippine National Railways (PNR) is more than just a train transport service: it's a valuable and meaningful part of Filipino history, heritage, culture, and identity. As such, it is a point of pride for the Philippines.
This story is from the January 31, 2024 edition of The Philippine Star.
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