Philippine National Railways had announced the reopening of the Bicol Express, a m(–foul word(s) removed–) transport system that will covers most of southern Luzon trail. The trip will resume on June 29, 2011 after the initial success of the trains latest tests conducted last May 22. The announcement was made on Thursday by Palace officials.
The first trip time lapse was recorded at 9 hours and 50 minutes from Manila to Naga City while the return trips was 15 minutes faster. The Bicol Express had its initial success during the 1930’s. It was built in 1938 stretching 479 kilometers, covering the provinces of Laguna, Quezon and Camarines Sur. The newly rehabilitated railway now consists of just 400 kilometers from Manila.
According to Palace Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda the resuming of operation was one month ahead of schedule and he was quoted as saying “made possible by a new workforce and contracts for the Quezon-Bicol portions of the tracks, and vital infrastructure rehabilitation including the completion of the 50-meter San Cristobal Bridge in Laguna.”
Bicol Express will be consisted of three cl(–foul word(s) removed–) of coaches which includes a tourist cl(–foul word(s) removed–) with reclined seats and in-coach movie and sound system. The other coaches were sleeping cars that can accomodate a group of four to six persons per compartment and the executive coaches consists of individual cubicles.
The Philippine National Railways budget with the rehabilitation of the Bicol Express amounted to P1.8 Billion in railways rehabilitation and an additional P250 million for new train acquisition including 83 air-conditioned sleepers and commuter coaches.
A four round trips per day was the projected target of PNR when the expected coaches donated by Japan will due to arrive before the Festival of the Blessed Virgin of Peñafrancia. Each trip will roll on 6 coaches with 400 p(–foul word(s) removed–)engers capacity.
PNR (–foul word(s) removed–)ures the commuting public that the rates were competitive enough to encourage them to use the railways instead of the usual bus trips to Bicol giving ample time for the commuters to experience the beauty of the Southern Philippines trail.
According to Philippine National Railways Manager Ragragio fares from Manila to Naga will be initially offered at P500 to P550 for the tourist coaches, P700 to P800 for the sleeper coaches and P1000 to P1400 for the VIP or solo cabins.