Train to spur economy of Albay province
Manila Standart Today
December 13, 2011
by Florencio P. Narito

POLANGUI, Albay—Albayanos welcome the return of the Philippine National Railways Manila-Albay connection which augurs the province’s strengthening economy and tourism industry.

Local folks celebrated and expressed joy at hearing the familiar hoot and clatter of the train’s arrival. The old service to Albay was discontinued following a typhoon in 2006.

The ‘Explorer Run’ from Tutuban in Manila to this town has been named “Mayon Limited”, on the newly reconstructed tracks composed of 51 passengers 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.

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 reactivating the PNR trips will boost the transport services the Bicol region such as 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 peninsula.

The name Mayon Limited was suggested by Salceda for the newly refurbished Japan-made train coaches, three of which are air-conditioned and can accommodate 81 passengers in reclining and movable cushioned seats.