MANILA, Philippines - Travel to the Bicol region is now more convenient and comfortable with the recent revival of the Manila-Albay connection of the Philippine National Railways (PNR) to the town of Polangui.The explorer run from the Tutuban terminal in Manila was led by Albay Gov. Joey Salceda, PNR general manager Junio Ragrario and Polangui Vice Mayor Jesus Salceda Jr.
According to Gov. Salceda, the return of the train service augurs well for Albay’s growing economy and tourism industry.
He said that the revived train service will offer an alternative, safe and cheaper mode of transport.
Salceda, who helped bring back the Albay section of the railway system, noted that the train will also support the province’s disaster response thrust as it bypasses the flood-prone areas in the region.
The train was welcomed at the Polangui station by townsfolk led by Mayor Cherilie Mella-Sampal, who were elated with the return of the “iron horse.”
Ragrario said that regular train trips to Albay will start soon after the repair of a bridge in Guinobatan. He added that the full line to Legazpi City is expected to be restored by the first quarter of 2012, in time for the Magayon Festival, Albay’s month-long tourism event.
He noted that the refurbished trains from Japan have first class, sleeper and economy coaches, plus coaches for dining and cargo.
The train will be christened Mayon Limited, named after the old train service which plied the route before it was halted due to the damage brought by typhoon “Reming” in 2006.
The Manila-Naga City service called Bicol Express was restored last September in time for the Feast of the Our Lady of Peñafrancia.
Once fully-restored, the PNR line will pass through the scenic spots of Camarines Sur and Albay, including the iconic Mayon Volcano, Bicol’s geological monument and major tourist drawer.