LEGAZPI CITY, Albay (PIA) – Travel goals? Try the train trips between Albay and Camarines Sur.
Since July 31, the Philippine National Railways (PNR) has resumed its commuter train service in the Naga-Ligao route, happening six years after the reported lack of rolling stock and damages wrought by typhoons on the railroad tracks forced the government-run transportation firm to suspend its operations in the route.
With a minimum fare of P15 and P105 up to Ligao town, the transport cost is nearly 50% cheaper than that in public utility vans and buses.
The first trip from Ligao City to Naga City is at 5:30 a.m., with returning trip at 5:30 p.m., from Monday to Friday.
More trip schedules would be added once the number of passengers increased. Over 3,000 passengers can be accommodated.
Travel time is about two hours and 11 minutes, with regular stops at nine PNR stations including Pili, Baao, Iriga, Bato, Matacon, Polangui, and Oas.
Though wearing of face masks on the trains is voluntary, eating or drinking inside the coaches is still prohibited to ensure safe and comfortable travel.
Ease and comfort
Though wearing of face masks on the train is voluntary, eating or drinking inside the coaches is still prohibited to ensure safe and comfortable travel. (PNR photo)
Ma. Gina Balingbing, information officer of the city government of Ligao, recounted her co-employees’ travel experience.
“So far, OK man daw. Malinig, malipot sa laog and with security guard pa sa laog kan tren mismo. (It’s clean, it’s cold inside and with security guard right inside the train),” she said.
Siblings Art and Maica Jaucian of Ligao City said they had a great first train travel experience when they attended Mass last Sunday at the Peñafrancia Basilica in Naga City.
“Enjoy much ang byahe. It's just like riding a jeepney na airconditioned. Dami mga pasahero. In fact, standing position and mabilis baba akyat ng pasahero. (I really enjoyed the trip. There are many passengers. In fact, it’s a standing position and the entry and exit of passengers is fast),” Maica said.
Art described his inaugural train experience as satisfying and soothing.
“It resembled a jeepney ride, albeit with a refreshing chill due to the air conditioning. Within the train’s confines, there prevailed a comfortable and tranquil ambience. To be candid, I favored this mode of travel over jeepneys and buses, finding it immensely serene and soothing,” Art said.
Tourism boom
With easy-access and more comfortable travels yet lower fare rate, more tourists are expected to visit the province of Albay. (PNR photo)
Dorothy Colle, Albay Provincial Tourism, Culture and Arts Office chief, said the train service can boost tourism in the province as it offers tourists a different mode of transportation service at a lower cost.
“The more means for the tourists to come to Albay, the better. The train travel is an additional way to easily come to Albay. With more tourists coming in, the Albayanos can have more income and benefits,” she said.
Colle said Albay is in partnership with Naga City and Camarines Sur to further highlight tourism activities.
“To our neighbors, with the opening of the train transport, we invite you to come to Albay and enjoy what we have to offer,” Colle said. (PIA5/Albay)
