Bikol Express

It is welcome news indeed that the operations of the Philippine National Railway or PNR are set to re-commence by the middle of next year. The reopening of PNR's Manila-Bikol line may yet provide an economical and efficient transportation alternative for travelers who remain at the mercy of bus operators. For the latter appear oblivious to several oil price rollbacks and maintain fare prices set when oil prices reached an all-time high.

Nicolas Beda Priela, the Private Sector Consultant to the PNR, informed Regional Development Council (RDC) members that the completion of PNR's rehabilitation work for Bikol is scheduled by the end of this year. He identified the numerous tasks of this rehabilitation project which include not only repairing of tracks and train stations, but also the much needed refurbishing of locomotive engines, freight cars, and passenger coaches. By May 2010, the trains which were known as "the Bikol Express" (nowadays though, the name had been popularly affixed to a native, spicy dish) return to serve the public after a hiatus.

With its return, commuters may expect better coaches and shorter travel time as compared to the Bikol Express of old. Among the targets of the rehabilitation project is enabling the train to speed up to 120 kph on some track sections, hereby transporting passengers faster but in safety. Another is improving safety in its operations by installing protection devices in road-rail level crossings and by the upgrade of signaling and communication equipment and facilities Moreover, with fares expected to be usually lower than those of buses, the new Bikol Express is seen to be a more economical means of transport between the region and Manila.

Hence, it is hoped that with Bikol Express' return, the law of competition within the market would benefit commuters by driving bus fares down and by offering the former a suitable alternative in travelling. The train would give the buses a run for their money. Literally.