PNR to resume Bicol Express in Sept.

The Philippine National Railways is preparing to resume the "Bicol Express" commuter service between Metro Manila and Bicol province as early as September.

 

PNR general manager Joseph Allan Dulay and other officials inspected the railroad tracks and equipment in Naga and Legazpi Cities over the weekend, GMA Bicol reported.

 

With Dilay and the PNR team were representatives of the Department of Transportation and Communications, the report said, noting the inspectors took a Bicol-bound train that may soon ply the "Bicol Express" route. 

 

It added the PNR is targeting September to resume this route.

 

As of Monday, the PNR website said the Bicol operations are "currently suspended due to ongoing repairs."

 

Some P344 million has been set aside this year to rehabilitate the railroad facilities and stations, but Dilay said the amount may not be sufficient to cover what has to be done.

 

In the meantime, the report said the trains' routes may be limited until the damaged tracks are fixed. – Joel Locsin /VS, GMA News