Bicol Express completes final test run

MANILA, Philippines (June 24, 2011) – Bicol Express has completed its final test run this morning when a 6-coach assembly carrying a 157-member contingent arrived at the Tutuban station at 8:45 A.M. from its overnight return trip from Naga City.

This completes a round-trip test run that started in Manila on Wednesday (June 22) evening. The passengers that included Philippine National Railways (PNR) General Manager Junio Ragragio, Jr. arrived at 9:00 A.M. yesterday morning, 4 hours beyond schedule, and  stayed in Naga for around 9 hours before the return trip to Manila last night.

Manager Ragragio meet with the members of the local media in Naga City yesterday afternoon.

In both trips the train cut through night rains brought by tropical storm 'Falcon' that hovered east of Luzon, often slowing down and its familiar horn frequently filling the air because curious onlookers who are no longer used to trains coming their way gather along the rail track.

But the passengers inside felt comfortable and were in fact having fun, even as the coaches tilt occasionally because of still uneven tracks in some portions.

A total of 4 test runs have prepared Bicol Express for its historic comeback since PNR canceled its commercial operations in 2006 following the devastation caused by typhoons Milenyo and Reming.

The 'mock' passengers that included members of the media, PNR employees, independent bloggers, transportation officials, and joy riders were able to test the amenities that shall become fixtures in all future travels with the Bicol Express.

On top of its Tourist, Family, Executive and Dining Coaches, travelers also enjoyed uninterrupted Wi-Fi Internet connectivity, huge LCD television screens, and real-time Global Postitioning System (GPS) monitoring of the train’s actual locations.

In an on-board interview with philstar.com, Manager Ragragio said the successful trip signaled the readiness of the new PNR in reviving its long-stalled trip to Bicol region.

“Yes, we are ready for commercial operation. I think we need to start it already pero soft-run lang muna,” he said, while reiterating the need to have more trains to ply the Manila-Bicol route.

The PNR chief said that currently only two trains, with six coaches each, are ready for commercial operation while the PNR waits for 50 more coaches to arrive from Japan.

Ragragio said the PNR is now flooded with inquiries on train schedules and fares and noting this travelers' enthusiasm, he said: “I think we need that commercial operation (to Bicol) already.”

On its final test-run, he cited the need to strengthen the train tracks and to clear illegal settlers along the railways. He also highlighted the need for more manpower that will cater to the needs of local commuters and tourists.

“We need more trackmen to guard and maintain the railways, especially during bad weather. Otherwise, the train will slow down, extending its travel time on its route,” he said.

The PNR is yet to finalize the fare rates of the soon-to-be open Manila-Naga route, but hinted that it is much cheaper compared to the other mode of transportation. Some sources float that accomodation with reclining rotating seat can go as low as P600, P800 for sleeper unit and P1200 for individual cabin.

The PNR also aims to extend the route further down south to Legazpi City by the end of the year.

PNR is set to launch its maiden commercial trip to Naga City on June 29, although the transition from resigned former Department of Trasportation and Communication (DOTC) Ping de Jesus to new DOTC head Mar Roxas is seen as potential cause of few days delay.

But come what may, there is no stopping the Bicol Express from rolling again. (From philstar.com with reports from Noriel Oya).