Manila-Albay Train

Albayanos welcome the reopening of the Philippine National Railways (PNR) Manila-Albay train connection which is seen as another booster for Albay's strengthening economy and tourism industry.

Local folks celebrated and expressed joy at hearing the familiar hoot and clatter of the train's inaugural trip here. To them, its hoot and clanking sounds are synonymous with business bustle. The old PNR train service to Albay was decommission by a strong typhoon five years ago.

PNR had its 'Explorer Run' from Tutuban in Manila to this town last week. Named Mayon Limited, it was designed to test the newly reconstructed railroad tracks and start the train's regular Manila-Bicol run. It ferried an explorer party of 51 persons 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. Albayanos have closely identified with the PNR trains.

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 the resumption of the PNR trips will compliment and boost the now busy modes of transportation serving Albay, 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 Region, hence its demand for varied transport systems.

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 which is now under construction; and the RoRo service in nearby Pioduran town which is considered as Luzon's gateway to the Vizayas.

These projects are sure to spur more economic activities and contribute to business and tourism growth in Albay, he stressed.

PNR's Mayon Limited, a name suggested by Salceda himself, uses newly refurbished Japan-made train coaches, three of which are air-conditioned and can accommodate 81 passengers in reclining and movable cushioned seats. It could navigate the railroad tracks at a maximum speed of 110 kph.

Gov. Salceda said Mayon Limited will initially service the Tutuban-Polangui stretch and later up to Ligao City and Legazpi City by the first quarter of 2012.