the PNR comeback

[absinthe]

^^ Yes Ser, per info from PNR, fully booked na ang BEx starting next week up to Christmas. Balak magdagdag ng additional trips.

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PNR reopens train service between Manila and Albay

(The Philippine Star)
Updated December 17, 2011 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine National Railways (PNR) has reopened its Manila-Albay train connection to offer an alternative, safe and cheaper mode of transport to Albayanos.

The PNR, had its “Explorer Run” from Tutuban in Manila to Polangui, Albay last week. Named Mayon Limited, the “Explorer Run” was designed to test the newly reconstructed railroad tracks and start the train’s regular Manila-Bicol run.

It ferried 51 persons led by Albay Gov. Joey Salceda and PNR general manager Junio Ragrario.

The new route is seen to boost Albay’s strengthening economy and tourism industry and bring back the glory days of the old Bicol Express.

The old PNR train service to Albay was decommissioned after it was destroyed by a strong typhoon five years ago.

Salceda, who helped in “reconnecting” Albay with the railways network, said the resumption of the PNR trips would compliment and boost the modes of transportation serving the province.

Salceda, who also chairs the Bicol Regional Development Council, has initiated various projects to boost the transport sector. Among such projects are the P3.4-billion Bicol International airport in Alobo, Daraga town now under construction; and the RoRo service in nearby Pioduran town considered as Luzon’s gateway to the Visayas.

Albayanos welcome the reopening of PNR’s Mayon Limited service which uses newly refurbished Japan-made train coaches and can accommodate 81 passengers in reclining and movable cushioned seats. It could navigate the railroad tracks at a maximum speed of 110 kilomters per hour.

[absinthe]

Extra Bicol trips added by the PNR for the Holiday season, utilizing K52.


^^ Posted at PNR's FB Page

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Manila Bulletin Editorial

'Bicol Express' Boosts Trade, Tourism
December 20, 2011, 11:22pm

MANILA, Philippines — After five years, the “Bicol Express” rolls again as part of government efforts to restore links between Metro Manila and major centers in Southern Luzon. The Bicol Express now runs daily between Manila and Naga City. The railway is expected to spur activities between Bicol and Calabarzon-Metro Manila, and boost local trade and tourism by connecting provinces.

The Bicol Express transports passengers from Tutuban in Manila to Naga City in Camarines Sur with daily trips at 6:30 p.m. The Philippine National Railways (PNR) is set to deploy special trips, depending on passenger demand, like what it did during the All Saints’ Day break. It is ready for the influx of passengers who may opt to ride the “Bicol Express” than go to the provinces by bus or car. Fares are lower and travel time is faster by one hour than the 10-hour trips of air-conditioned buses.

The Philippines received 20 refurbished train cars from the Japanese government, paving the way for more commuters to use the Bicol Express. Another 30 coaches are set to arrive. With more coaches and increasing passenger demand, PNR can add train trips to better service its patrons in Metro Manila and in Bicol, which would mean less waiting time for passengers. The refurbished coaches offer comfort to passengers.

Three of the coaches are air-conditioned and can accommodate 81 passengers. The PNR expects passenger base to increase from 400,000 a month to 600,000. The train service to Albay will start its regular daily trips in January, 2012, with the completion of the Travesia bridge in Guinobatan town that would extend the line to Camalig, Daraga, and Legazpi City. Extension of railway connection to Batangas, Camarines Norte, and Matnog, Sorsogon, are also planned.

In 2006, the operation of the Bicol Express was suspended after super typhoon Reming battered the Bicol region, damaging lines, bridges, and railroad tracks leading to the province. In 2007, the government started a rehabilitation project, removed informal settlers from PNR right-of-way, revitalized commuter services in Metro Manila, and partly restored the Manila-Bicol route.

As the Bicol Express provides a good alternative for commuters, the government will continue to improve its services to benefit more commuters. When the Manila-Bicol route is fully revived, it would mean more jobs in the countryside, lesser expense, faster travel, and smoother movement of goods and services. CONGRATULATIONS!

[Jiggs]

Curious lang bossing meron bang mga other hop in stations aside from Tutuban? Say Calamba or Lucena
Am interested on doing an exploratory trip all the way to Bicol...kaso parang hassle if I would still have to go to Tutuban..bdway am from Batangas kaya ko natanong if there is any other station where I could catch the train.

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^^ Bossing pwede kayo sumakay sa Calamba Station. Approximately 8:00-8:15pm ang tigil ng tren dun.

Ito po yung timetable. Lahat ng Stations highlighted in bold ang tinitigilan (kasama nadin ang Biñan, Calamba, and San Pablo City)




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PNR website up and running once again. (Madami pang U/C though)

http://www.pnr.gov.ph/index.htm

[Jiggs]

Thanks bro...laking tulong neto for trip planning.