The Philippine National Railways (PNR) plans to resume its Manila-Naga operations as early as Dec. 15, pending final inspection by transportation officials next week to ensure the train’s safety and reliability.
The train line is expected to help ease traffic congestion in Metro Manila during the Christmas season when thousands of commuters go back to their home provinces, acting PNR manager Joseline Geronimo said on Tuesday.
Inspections
Assistant Transportation Secretary for Rails Cesar Chavez said he and other PNR officials had already conducted two inspections of the line and would make a final one on Friday next week to determine its safety and reliability.
The PNR stopped servicing the route four years ago after one of its trains was derailed in Quezon province amid disrepair of typhoon-damaged bridges.
“We are inclined to recommend the resumption of the Manila-Naga-Manila operations within this year. Our target is Dec. 15,” Chavez said.
He, however, noted that the PNR was still working on getting a log ban exemption from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources so it could use “yakal” hardwood as rail ties for the Ragay and Del Gallego bridges.
Even if the agency would not be able to secure the permit, he said train runs would still proceed but with the speed reduced from 40 kilometers per hour to 10 kph when crossing the bridges.
6 trains
Currently, the PNR has a fleet of six trains. Geronimo said that for the Bicol route, the agency will use a 300-seat train and the 83-seat Kogane tourist train that charges a fare of at least P500 per passenger.
In June, the Department of Science and Technology inaugurated a P120-million hybrid electric train for the PNR. Chavez said the train might soon be used pending further test runs and clarification of legal issues, such as accountability in case of problems.
He noted though for the meantime, the hybrid train might be used to service commuters in Metro Manila.