First time train commuters and train enthusiasts were among the first passengers of the Philippine National Railways’ inaugural Legazpi- Naga trip this morning.
Among those who boarded the train’s first trip at 5:47 this morning from Legazpi City was 70-year -old Ben Antonio.
Antonio says he used to ride the Naga-Tutuban trip back in the 80’s.
On today’s trip, he noted the improvements, stating, “The train has become better now – it’s cooler, and the overall quality has improved significantly compared to the previous state.”
Commuters also emphasized the affordability of the train service. The fare from Legazpi to Naga is only 155 pesos, which is much lower than the 200-plus pesos charged by buses and vans.
With two daily trips in each direction, the Legazpi-Naga route covers a distance of 101 kilometers, estimating a travel time of 3 hours and 4 minutes.
Ruben Besmonte, Head of PNR’s Rolling Stock Maintenance, explained the reasons behind the interruption of the Legazpi-Naga trips in April 2017, citing a shortage of trains and the need for track and bridge repairs.
Now that these have been repaired, they repurposed the trains from the Alabang-tutuban route. He apologizes however for the lack of amenities like comfort room, as these trains were initially intended for Metro Manila commuters, with a travel time of only one and a half to two hours.
He expressed hope for the acquisition of new coaches specifically tailored for Bicol trips, ensuring improved amenities for passengers. But Besmonte says despite the initial limitations, the deployment of these trains signifies a significant step in enhancing transportation accessibility for Bicolanos. I Aireen Perol-Jaymalin, Neffateri Dela Cruz
