The resumption of the Naga-Legazpi train service of the Philippine National Railways (PNR) will usher in a more active commerce and cheaper and convenient mode of transport for passengers and merchandise alike between the two leading business hubs in the Bicol Region.

The twice-a-day 101-kilometer route resumed on Dec. 27.

Trains leave Naga City at 5:38 a.m. and 5:40 p.m. From Legazpi City, the schedules are 5:45 a.m. and 5:47 p.m.

The stations are Naga, Pili, Iriga, Polangui, Ligao, Travesia, Daraga, and Legazpi. Flag stops (stopping on signal) are Baao, Lourdes, Bato, Matacon, Oas, Bagtang, Washington Drive, and Capantawan.

The three-hour trip costs PHP155 per passenger end-to-end while the minimum fare is PHP15.

"We are glad it now has resumed after six long years to serve our Bicolano constituents as we have envisioned and fervently pushed," Albay 2nd District Rep. Joey Salceda said in a statement on Saturday.

Salceda, who chairs the House Ways and Means Committee, was the original proponent of the PNR South Long Haul project that would connect Metro Manila to Bicol.

In a meeting with Department of Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista early this year, Salceda endorsed the idea of opening a modern railway segment connecting Naga City in Camarines Sur and Legazpi City, Bicol's regional center which is situated in Albay's second congressional district.

Salceda stressed that further development and improvements in transport infrastructure will further help promote increased tourism and economic activities in Southern Luzon, particularly Albay, which hosts world-class destinations.

The project, Salceda said, is a vital and urgent infrastructure not only for Bicol but for the entire country.

While negotiations are being undertaken for the funding of the PNR South Long Haul project, Salceda stressed it's a welcome development that the Naga-Legazpi Rail segment has started running again.