'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!