TEST RUN | A Philippine National Railways train arrives in Ligao City in Albay during a test run on July 20. Starting July 31, commuters will enjoy the daily train trip between Ligao and Naga City in Camarines Sur. (Photo by REYNALDO SINSON / Contributor)
LIGAO CITY, Albay, Philippines — The train trips between Albay and Camarines Sur would resume starting on Monday, six years after the Philippine National Railways (PNR) suspended its operation in the two Bicol provinces.
There will be two daily trips between Ligao City in Albay and Naga City in Camarines Sur, a 5:30 a.m. Ligao-Naga commute, and, at 5:30 p.m., from Naga to Ligao, said Joel Dajac, PNR officer in charge of Area 2 operations department, on Sunday.
The two trips will have flag stops in the towns of Pili, Baao, and Bato and Iriga City in Camarines Sur; and in Polangui and Oas in Albay.
Dajac said the operation, which was halted in April 2017, would use a diesel hydraulic locomotive that has three air-conditioned coaches that can carry about a thousand passengers.
The Naga-Ligao end-to-end fare will cost P105 but only as low as P15 for the first station or flat stop, Dajac added.
Both sides of the railroad tracks have been cleared of obstructions, particularly the 5-meter danger zone, said Jomel Marayag of PNR Bicol engineering department in a separate phone interview on Sunday.
According to Marayag, settlers remain in areas near the railways but he assured they have worked closely with local officials to ensure the safety of residents and train passengers.