PNR reopens Naga-Legazpi route

MANILA, Philippines — The 101-kilometer route from Naga, Camarines Sur to Legazpi, Albay of the Philippine National Railways (PNR) reopened yesterday more than six years since operations stopped.

The PNR said the morning trip from Naga is at 5:38 a.m. and at 5:45 a.m. from Legazpi.

The afternoon trip from Naga is at 5:20 p.m. and at 5:47 p.m. from Legazpi.

The fare for the end-to-end trip is P155. Travel time is three hours and four minutes.

Fare for the shortest distance is P15.

The trains will stop at stations in Naga, Pili, Iriga, Polangui, Ligao, Travesia, Daraga and Legazpi.

There are so-called “flag stops” or where passengers can request to be dropped off at Baao, Lourdes, Bato, Matacon, Oas, Bagtang, Washington Drive and Capantawan stations.

The PNR posted on Facebook a 19-second video of a train that crossed the Kidaco Bridge in Daraga, Albay, with a view of Mayon Volcano.

Department of Transportation Undersecretary for railways Jeremy Regino called on Bicolanos to patronize PNR trains.

The Naga-Legazpi route is an addition to the existing Naga-Sipocot-Naga and Naga-Ligao routes.

The Naga-Legazpi route ceased operations in April 2017 due to the absence of train coaches and lack of locomotive engines.

The PNR earlier said it would stop its passenger services in Metro Manila by January 2024 to give way to civil works for the North-South Commuter Railway.