Bicol Train Test Run a Success

THE “Bicol Express” trip from Manila to Naga City will soon become a reality following a successful test run over the weekend of a newly refurbished locomotive train with several tourist-class coaches.

The test run covering more than 400 kilometers was personally supervised by Philippine National Railway general manager Junio Ragragio, Jr.

“In my assessment, the Bicol test run we conducted was 95% successful and we are nearing our objective to put back in operation the commercial PNR trips to the Bicol region. We were delighted to reach Naga City from Manila in less than 10 hours.

We were even more in high spirits on our return trip to Manila the following day since it only took us nine hours going back.

That was our yardstick since provincial buses usually take 10 hours or more to drive the same route. This makes the trip to certain parts of Southern Luzon via train a highly viable travel alternative,” Ragragio said.

The PNR executive added that the train cars donated by Japan called “sleeper coaches” were used during the test run to check their worthiness. Also included in the test run was a locally refurbished passenger coach with several reclining chairs with a fit and finish comparable to imported train cars.

It has better amenities to compete against imported first-class air-conditioned buses.

Ragragio said all train coaches to be used in the Bicol Express will be air-conditioned.

The PNR offers three classes of train cars for the Bicol Express route. The tourist class with reclining chairs and more leg room compared to commercial buses has a widescreen LCD with state-of-the-art sound system to comfortably watch movies during the long trip.

Another is a family suite that is good for a family or group of four to six persons. The third is the executive class for passengers who would like extra privacy during the lengthy tour inclusive of a dining car with an ambiance of first class restaurant, Ragragio said.

He added that the opening of the Bicol Express would boost local tourism and stir up economic activities in Southern Luzon.

(source: TAK Radio)

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- Norman C
  
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- Concerned Citizen from Aklan
  
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- Manny P
  
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- Sally Sebastian
  
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