Bicol express adds another night trip

(Published in the Manila Standard Today newspaper on /2012/March/13.)
by Lailany P. Gomez

Philippine National Railways manager Estelito Nierva said another trip after the 6:30 p.m. Bicol run will be added starting this week.

“The crossing points will be ready by Friday,” he told Manila Standard in a phone interview, noting one of the junctions in Adanagan, Quezon.

He said the 8:30 p.m. trip leaving Manila is timed for the expected Holy Week rush to the Bicol province, signaling the summer vacation’s influx of vacationers and tourists.

Nierva said Mayon Limited De Luxe will run every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, alternating with Mayon Limited Ordinary every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday.

The one-way fare for De Luxe is P716 for Naga, and P768 for Ligao, while that for the Ordinary is P416 and P491 for Naga and Ligao, respectively.

The south rail is supported by the Department of Transport and Communications in its program to expand the travel network across the archipelago. The trains were supplied by East Japan Railway Co.

“The recent revival mid last year of Bicol Express would give the riding public in the South an alternative means to reach provincial destinations in southern Luzon [and vice-versa] and likewise enjoy the countryside scenery in comfort,” Nierva said.
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