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Philippines New North Rail transport system to spur tourism growthManila, Philippines - August 2, 2005 The US$ 420 million Nort Rail mass transport system will start construction by September and is expected to spur economic and tourism growth in the Philippines. Jose Cortes, president of North Rail (Northern Luzon Railways System) disclosed, "the railway will provide an efficient transit transport system between Metro Manila and Central Luzon." Cortes said the rail project is the second largest Philippines-Republic of China venture described as a "proof of the strengthened bilateral relations between the Philippines and China." "The 32.2 kilometers mass transport system is a government-to-government project and the dealings are all above board. This is not a rehabilitation but a totally new railway system," Cortes pointed out. The railway project is expected to provide an effective transport service for passengers and goods between Metro Manila and Central Luzon, connecting former military bases such as Fort Bonifacio, Clark Air Base, Subic and Poro Point. These areas are currently undergoing conversion. Phase I would run on a double-track railway and would initially service six stations along Caloocan, Valenzuela, Marilao, Bocaue, Guiguinto and Malolos and a depot in Valenzuela City. Travel time between terminals will take 32 minutes with an expected load of at last 41,186 passengers a day. Condensed from Manila Bulletin / written by Lynda B. Valencia
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