PNR eyes revival of Bicol Express by September

MANILA, Philippines - State-run Philippine National Railways (PNR) is set to revive the 422-kilometer Bicol Express train service in September or almost two years after its operations was suspended due to a derailment incident in Sariaya, Quezon.

Joseph Allan Dilay, general manager of PNR, said the government-owned and controlled corporation (GOCC) is looking at restoring its train services to Legaspi, Albay by September after a successful trial run last month.

Since the revival of its operation in June of 2011, the Bicol Express line service catered to some 2,000 to 3,000 passengers weekly. The highest ridership recorded during peak travel seasons such as Holy Week, All Saints’ and All Souls’ Day, and Christmas season.

However, the operation of Bicol Express has been stalled following a derailment incident in Sariaya, Quezon in October 2012 that injured nine passengers.

Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya suspended the train service and ordered a full investigation on the derailment of Bicol Express Train 611. The train was carrying 120 passengers when the derailment occurred.

Abaya said the revival of the Bicol Express service would hinge on the findings of the CPCS Transcom Ltd. of Canada.

“I for one, if I would only look at the economic side of the project would have given it a go signal. However, I am mindful of safety so I have given specific instructions not to run the service unless someone could certify that it is safe,” Abaya earlier said.

Aside from the revival of the Bicol train service, Dilay said PNR would continue with the rehabilitation of its non-operational railway line to the north, as well as the development of new railway routes within and outside of Luzon.

He pointed out that PNR is looking at developing revenue from various concessions allowed by its franchise, in addition to developing various partnerships with the private sector to increase its total revenues other than those from its train operations,

For the first time in its history, he explained that PNR aims to partner with the private sector in activities such as freight operations and maintenance.