the PNR comeback

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Installation of meh grills for Kiha 59 (Kogane). Taken today, photos courtesy of ShraneThomas of SSC

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The train above was tested last Saturday going to Naga and was also an Inspection Trip.

Based from info from PNR, the return trip NG-TU was covered by K59 in approximately 8hrs 17 minutes.

GM Ragragio and Albay Goc. Joey Salceda personally went and inspected the Travesia Bridge in Guinobatan, Albay. Once this is completed, Bicol Express can reach Legazpi again.

Photos originally uploaded from Gov. Salceda's FB page.

Inspection of PNR bridge at Travesia, Guinobatan







Jose Salceda

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'Bicol Express' can now reach Albay
By Celso Amo The Philippine Star
Updated December 07, 2011 12:00 AM

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines – After a successful test run last May 21, the Philippine National Railways (PNR) is now making preparations for the “Bicol Express” to reach Albay province.

Constancio Toledano, PNR operations manager, said railway lines are being spruced up so the train can reach the Polangui station.

Toledano said Albay Gov. Joey Salceda, National Economic and Development Authority regional director Juan Escandor, Polangui Mayor Cherry Sampal and provincial board members will board the train at the Tutuban station tonight. The train is expected to arrive at the Polangui station tomorrow morning.

Toledano said the trip will take about 10 hours, passing through Laguna, Quezon and Camarines Sur, or an hour less than an air-conditioned bus trip.

He said the refurbished coaches from Japan can now offer more comfort.

During the first test run, the Manila-Naga trip took only nine hours, passing through Laguna and Quezon.

“The return of the Bicol Express means a lot to Bicolanos, especially with the rising toll rates at the South Luzon Expressway,” Albay Gov. Joey Salceda said.

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Some photos of the special Kiha59 (Kogane) trip to Polangui, Albay. Originally posted at the Facebook page of Mr. Tony Bautista, uploaded to SSC by 915bungohunter

PNR (TUTUBAN - POLANGUI...EXPLORER RUN)
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?s...2472799&type=3
Tutuban- Polangui, Albay trial run for re opening of manila -legaspi rail service using ex Kogane Train K59 self propelled coaches.

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Part II: Special Kiha59 (Kogane) trial run to Polangui, Albay

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Train to spur economy of Albay province
Manila Standart Today
December 13, 2011
by Florencio P. Narito

POLANGUI, Albay—Albayanos welcome the return of the Philippine National Railways Manila-Albay connection which augurs the province’s strengthening economy and tourism industry.

Local folks celebrated and expressed joy at hearing the familiar hoot and clatter of the train’s arrival. The old service to Albay was discontinued following a typhoon in 2006.

The ‘Explorer Run’ from Tutuban in Manila to this town has been named “Mayon Limited”, on the newly reconstructed tracks composed of 51 passengers led by Albay Gov. Joey Salceda and PNR General Manager Junio Ragrario.

Salceda who helped in ‘reconnecting’ Albay with the railways network, said Mayon Limited brings back the glory days of the old Bicol Express and offers an alternative, safe and cheaper mode of transport.

The governor, who hails from Polangui, said he himself had traveled via the old PNR trains many times when he was still studying in Manila because it was fast, cheap and safe, and his parents had used it to send him his monthly allowance through friends and kin working at PNR.

Salceda said reactivating the PNR trips will boost the transport services the Bicol region such as the four daily airplane flights to and from Manila and the numerous bus companies servicing the Manila–Albay route daily.

Legazpi City, Albay’s provincial capital, is the regional center of the Bicol peninsula.

The name Mayon Limited was suggested by Salceda for the newly refurbished Japan-made train coaches, three of which are air-conditioned and can accommodate 81 passengers in reclining and movable cushioned seats.

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dumadami na ba ang mga sumasakay dito bro?

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^^ 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.

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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!