Legazpi-Naga train service resumes

By Keren Anne Bernadas

LEGAZPI CITY --- After several months, Bicolanos are once again enjoying the convenience of train travel as the Philippine National Railways (PNR) resumes its route connecting Albay and Camarines Sur.

Since February 26, the PNR has restarted its commuter train service on the Legazpi-Naga route.

This comes three months after typhoons caused significant damage to its train sets, forcing the government-run transportation company to suspend operations on the route.

PNR General Manager Deovanni Miranda announced that two trips will operate for now as repairs on other train sets continue to restore the previous schedule for the Albay-Camarines Sur line, which had morning, noon, and afternoon departure schedules.

Currently, one train set operates between Naga and Legazpi, taking three hours with fares ranging from P12 to P124.

Discounts are available for students, PWDs, and senior citizens.

Stations include Legazpi, Daraga, Travesia, Ligao, Polangui, Iriga City, Pili, and Naga City, with flag stops in various barangays for those unable to reach main stations.

PNR trips depart Legazpi at 4:49 a.m. and return from Naga at 5:30 p.m.

New routes between Naga and Sipocot will start on March 3, with departures at 5:20 a.m. and 6:50 a.m.

Workers, students, and other Bicolanos who commute daily between Naga City and Legazpi City agree that train travel is more convenient than traveling by bus or van.

Hannah Grace Olivares, a 19-year-old student from Naga City, expressed her satisfaction with the resumption of PNR train trips, noting that they are more convenient and affordable.

“I am a student at Bicol University. Taking the train is much more convenient and cheaper compared to buses and vans.

If I’m not in a hurry, I don’t mind the three-hour journey to Legazpi,” Olivares said.

Cassandra, another college student from Iriga City who preferred to remain anonymous, added that she chooses to ride the train because it only takes one hour, with no traffic, no hassle, and no pollution.

“Mas preferred ko po ang PNR train dahil una, yung pamasahe. Sa kasalukuyan, nag do-dorm lang ako. Maraming gastusin at yung pamasahe sakto lang, at yung byahe umaabot lang ng one hour, kumpara sa van or bus na umaabot ng two hours o minsan one hour and 30 minutes,” Cassandra said.

(I prefer the train because, first, the fare is reasonable. Currently, I’m renting a dormitory, which comes with many expenses. The train fare is manageable, and the trip only takes one hour, compared to the bus or van, which can take between one hour and thirty minutes to two hours.)

Additionally, Eunice Realuya, a government worker living in Oas, Albay, and commuting to Pili, Camarines Sur, appreciates this improvement.

However, she hopes for more scheduled trips to accommodate passengers who cannot make it during the current PNR schedules.

Miranda said that, for now, there will be two trips on this route while repairs are ongoing on another train set that will eventually be added to the Albay-Camarines Sur route.

“Lubos po akong nagpapasalamat sa mainit na pagtanggap ng mga Bicolano sa muling pagbalik ng serbisyo ng PNR sa Legazpi to Naga. Makakaasa po ang ating mga mananakay na sa mga susunod na buwan ay magdadagdag pa po tayo ng oras ng biyahe sa rutang ito, para makapagbigay pa ng mas mabilis, ligtas, at abot-kayang pampublikong transportasyon,” he said.

(I am very grateful for the warm welcome of Bicolanos for the resumption of PNR service from Legazpi to Naga. Our riders can expect that in the coming months, we will increase the trips on this route, to provide faster, safer, and more affordable public transportation.) (PIA5)