MANILA, Philippines -- The Philippine National Railways (PNR) is studying additional trips for the Bicol Express after its ridership doubled during the last All Saints’ Day break.
PNR General Manager Jun Ragrario said the PNR board is considering a second trip for the Bicol Express, which runs between Tutuban in Manila and Naga City in Camarines Sur daily, after its passenger volume increased from October 28 to November 2 with only a minimal drop after the peak season for travel.
Ragrario said the Bicol Express, which can accommodate at least 152 passengers per trip, usually has 35 percent of its seats filled during lean seasons. But the passenger volume doubled during the traditional exodus to the provinces.
“Undas (All Saints) proved to be an opportunity for us to market the Bicol Express because only a few passengers knew that it was already operational,” he said.
“The ridership increased by an average of 80 percent during Undas,” he added.
Ragrario said the passenger volume during All Saints Day gave them a preview of what to expect for the Christmas break and is why they are mulling a second trip for the Bicol Express.
He encouraged commuters to take the PNR for their trips to Southern Luzon especially since fares are still on promotional rates. He said Manila-to-Naga passengers will only pay P548 for air-conditioned reclining seats or P665 for family sleeper cabins with four berths each.
The trip takes just about 10 hours.