LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines – The “Bicol Express†is finally back in this Albay city.
The Philippine National Railways (PNR) yesterday successfully held a trial run of its tourist train popularly known as Bicol Express, which stopped in 2006 when typhoon “Reming†destroyed the railroad tracks leading to this city.
The air-conditioned, Japanese-made Kogami tourist train had three coaches and was loaded with 83 passengers from the Tutuban station in Manila.
Albay Gov. Joey Salceda, regional tourism director Ma. Nini Ravanilla, Polangui Mayor Cherry Sampal and provincial board members joined the trip from Polangui town to this city.
The trip from Manila to Legazpi takes 13 to 14 hours at a speed of 40-50 kilometers per hour and costs P800 per person, the PNR said.