The South Cotabato based bus company, Yellow Bus Line is having 2 brand-new Higer A90 buses. Painted in their retro livery which they had since the 90s', these buses are equipped with leather "Vega" seats that have adjustable headrests and legrests, USB Charging Ports, and is restroom equipped. It shall be the same with Dalin Bus Line's Higer A90 which had acquired a few months ago. With no bus pads, unfortunately, but is compensated with 5 TV sets for the entertainment system, and as well as the aforementioned USB Charging Ports to charge up your mobile devices while on travel. Higer A90 is Higer's flagship model, which was jointly designed by Higer and by a Swedish-based bus and truck manufacturer, Scania. Also known as Higer KLQ6127Q, this 47-seater bus was first introduced in 2008, but had reached the Filipino market just last year. Technically Eurasian by design, Higer A90 is a mix of European-styled engineering and luxury, with a twist of Asian technology. These bus, along with their brand-new Zhongtong Elegance which was just released a few weeks ago, Yellow Bus Line is serious to stay on top in the competition, making sure to their patrons that they shall always be pampered with premium buses.
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Before, the Philippines was one of the most advanced countries in Asia when it comes to rail transport. It was then in Manila where the first metro rail system in Southeast Asia was built back in 1984, that's three years ahead from our neighbor Singapore. Today, it turns out that the Philippines have gone way behind from its neighbors as our trains have become outdated, to the point where our trains and its tracks are now giving up. But with the efforts of our government, the Build Build Build initiative by the Duterte's administration, and with some help from several wealthy countries, the Philippine Rail is now reborn with infrastructure projects and longer rail network. A few days ago, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) released a video, in summary to their achievements and accomplishments being done to the Philippine Railways during Duterte's administration. And although it was impressive to see what had been achieved by the government so far, the video was brief and in short detail. For somehow it didn't mention about certain challenges from these projects that they had come for our Philippine railways. For instance, the Mindanao Railway Project has been delayed its construction for a year now, and yet they are still confident to have the Phase 1 done by 2022. So far, here's to what we know about our present government's achievements in improving our country's rail network. Commuter Trains in Metro Manila Despite issues with our commuter trains recently such as the fire incident that happened to LRT 2's power rectifier and intermittent power on MRT 3, it has been noticed that these incidents have been reduced compared to what it has been before. Thanks to some quick fix that our commuter train authorities, such as the deployment of Dalian Trains that was being held for years now since it arrived in Manila, and by bringing back Sumitomo as a maintenance provider for MRT 3. On the other hand, the construction of MRT 7 is now in full-swing as concrete girders are being placed to support MRT 7's rail tracks. The trainsets which came from South Korea are almost complete and are now being tested for several test trials. LRT-2 West Extension Project will expand the existing 16.75 kilometer railtrack, and shall link Tutuban, Divisoria, and Pier 4. Once completed, the Port of Manila, one of our country's busiest seaport will be linked to commercial centers in Metro Manila. The common station that will link the commuter train lines of MRT 3, LRT 1, MRT 7 and the Manila Subway (Line 9) between the malls of TriNoma and SM North EDSA is now taking its shape. This was finally materialized after several years of negotiations to where exactly the common station must be placed. Mindanao Railway System Then they mentioned the Mindanao Railway System, which is targeted to complete its Phase 1 in 2022. The Phase 1 will cover 102 kilometers connecting the cities of Tagum, Davao, and Digos, in which would have eight stations, namely: Tagum; Carmen; Panabo; Mudiang in Bunawan, Davao City; Davao Terminal; Toril; Sta. Cruz; and Digos. Problem is, the project hasn't fully started yet due to unfinished settlements with several landowners who will be affected by this project. Another factor that made the delay was the changes with the total cost of the project that was jumped by 130%, from the previously approved cost of PhP 35.9 billion to now PhP 82.9 billion. Several reasons why the project cost was increased were the changes to the entire railway system from a single-track railway to a dual-track, and by changing the trains from diesel-powered engines to electric. Secretary Abul Khayr Alonto of Mindanao Development (MinDA) said that the project is moving slowly, and he was not satisfied with the results. “I am not happy. Why should I be happy when it’s not moving. It’s too slow. Time is not ours. This is a borrowed time. We are only talking about more than three years, so we have to move fast,” Alonto said. Originally, Phase 1 for the Mindanao Railway System was scheduled to begin construction last year. But it took several delays, further announcements, and press releases, until such time that the project was being delayed for months to a year now. But finally, after several delays, DOTr had announced that they shall open for bidding that same Phase 1 for the Mindanao Railway System. And despite of those delays, they are still confident that the Phase 1 will accomplish on 2022. Philippine National Railways For the first time, after 40 years, the Philippine National Railways (PNR) will purchase brand-new train sets, this time from Indonesia. Manufactured by the Indonesian government-owned company PT Industri Kereta Api (PT INKA), the trainsets were spotted last July when it was up for testing in public railroads, and the trains are now ready for future service. The trains are expected to be delivered before this year ends. PNR was also testing the Bicol Express line which was neglected for decades now. With the use of their 60-year-old Kiha KH59 'Kogane', Tutuban to Naga City is just 13 hours away from the usual 16-hour journey by bus. Several train stations were re-opened along Metro Manila, thanks to their rehabilitation efforts to revive PNR in the metro. Meanwhile, the North Rail project, which is also under PNR, is now making its move and is said to be completed by the year 2021. Unfortunately, like the Mindanao Railway System, the project was too slow to move that the last update we heard about was in February when they do some several soil testing for the Phase 1 (Tutuban - Malolos). Although the North Rail is giving us good promise, linking the North and South Luzon through rail, commuters from outside Metro Manila would not get along at EDSA, and instead might take PNR as an alternative. Philippine Railway Institute With developments we mentioned earlier for Philippine railways, its about time for to formalize an implementing agency that will serve and focus for the development of our country rail network and its future development. Meet the Philippine Railway Institute (PRI), an agency under DOTr, that will serve as the primary policy making, planning, implementing, regulating, and administrative agency on human resource development in the Philippine railway sector. For starters, the first batch for its staff has been sent to the Tokyo Metro Training Center in Japan for training. Luckily, the Japanese government had shouldered the cost in training our PRI staff, since the training was fully funded through a grant, costing an estimate of PhP 350 Million. Still, Philippine railways have left behind when it comes to rail transportation. And one benefactor to that was corruption that has been rampant in the past. Transport Secretary Arthur Tugade vows to end corruption at the agency and that it won't happen under his watch.
And so despite the above-mentioned lapses though, DOTr of today has proven their efforts to improve our rail networks. Never we had seen this effort from the agency for many years, thanks to the undying support by Secretary Tugade to let us feel that we are now into the golden age of infrastructure. Sources: GMA News, Rappler, Manila Bulletin, MindaNews, Philippine Daily Inquirer, PNA, PhilStar, Top Gear Philippines, DOTr Higer A90, Higer's flagship bus model is now on the Philippine roads with its first bus operator, Dalin Bus Line. And although this bus had surfaced the country a couple of months ago, it was just last September when Dalin's Higer A90 was finally unveiled their Cream of the Crop. Since May, Youtuber and Bus Enthusiast Juan Marko reviewed this bus and he gave an exclusive sneak peek at what's inside in this Chinese beast. This bus can carry 47 passengers. The seats inside the bus features leather "Vega" seats, with each has an adjustable headrest which can be used as your little pillow as well. Higer A90 is generous to its passengers by giving a huge overhead compartment. It also has lights on top whenever its dark. Speaking of this bus for being generous, the leather "Vega" seats we mentioned earlier has a spacious leg room, with a leg rest for an extra comfort. This bus is also restroom equipped, so whenever you need to pee, there's a restroom that you rely on. The bus is also equipped with USB Ports for your mobile devices. Unfortunately, this particular bus from Dalin Bus Line has no BusPads, but it has 5 TV sets and a sound system with microphone to entertain the passengers. For a full, in-depth review of this bus, you may check this video below, courtesy from Juan Marko's Youtube Channel. Source: Juan Marko
Victory Liner is taking a whole new level, as their world-class services is now being recognized by the international standards with their certification given recently by the Standard Global Services (SGS). Posted by Victory Liner's Facebook Business Page last October 4, they shared with pride as SGS had given them the ISO 9001:2015 Certification that is valid up until September 2022.
The ISO 9001:2015 is a certification being given to companies that has the ability to consistently provide products and services that meet customer and applicable statutory and regulatory requirements, and that is aiming to enhance customer satisfaction through the effective application of the system, including processes for improvement of the system and the assurance of conformity to customer and applicable statutory and regulatory requirements. Source: Victory Liner Before, it takes almost a day to visit Bislig, a beautiful coastal city in Surigao Del Sur. If you came from Cebu, you might take a plane or ride a ferry to Butuan, and then take a bus ride to Bislig. But thanks to Leading Edge Air Services Corporation (LEASCOR), there's now a direct flight from Cebu to Bislig and back. From a journey that would take you for almost a day, getting in there from Cebu would only take an hour. LEASCOR will be utilizing its Fokker 50 plane for this flight. A 27-year old Dutch plane, but Fokker 50 is known for being an efficient and reliable turboprop-powered plane there is. About this young company, LEASCOR was established in 2016 in accordance to existing Philippine laws as an Air Charter Company to address the growing travel needs of the country. Early booking for said flight are now available in all LEASCOR Ticketing offices in Cebu, Bislig and Davao. The introductory price for this flight starts at PhP 1,900.00.
Accordingly, the Cebu-Bislig-Cebu flight will be available two times a week, depending on the demand that is available. The Inaugural flight of LEASCOR for Cebu-Bislig-Cebu will start on October 21, 2019. Source: Bislig City LGU, LEASCOR FB Let's face it, there's still a lot of problems with our rail transport system here in Metro Manila. And despite the efforts by our government to build more infrastructure projects that would improve our mass transportation system such as the MRT 7 and the Manila Subway, the daily problem by each commuter in Metro Manila are far yet from over. The existing coaches are aging, coaches that are available are limited, and engine malfunctions that had lead to accidents and derailment. This is why our legislators, from the congress to the senate are proposing "band-aid" solutions that would alleviate our rail commuters. One that is being proposed is to offer business class inside our MRT and LRT by Senator Grace Poe, one that is similar to a business class on an airplane. While this idea could give passengers an option for luxury, is it necessary for our metro rail system offer "premium" services? First and foremost, is it necessary? The thing is NO. MRT and LRT are designed with shorter distances. It's not a kind of train that goes from Manila to Baguio, or Bicol. In fact, our commuter trains like our MRT and LRT isn't a high-speed train like those we see in other countries. Usually, business class services in transport are given on a long-haul trip which takes more than an hour to provide extra comfort for passengers. Our commuter trains on the other hand, have a total distance of less than 20 kilometers, with station-to-station distance of about 1 kilometer on average. Thus, for a normal passenger who's in mind is to be able to reach the destination on time and nothing more or less, then a business class wouldn't be necessary after all. For passengers, it's impractical. Usually, it only takes less than 10 minutes to travel from one station to another. The entire distance of LRT 1 from Baclaran to Roosevelt is 18 kilometers, while LRT 2 from Recto to Santolan is 12 kilometers. MRT 3 from North Avenue to Taft is 16 kilometers. Given said distances, it's not practical for a passenger to opt-in a business class seat for just a short time and in a short distance. But Shanghai did it, why can't we? Unlike our MRT and LRT, Shanghai's Maglev Train is considered a high-speed train that has a speed of 430 km/h and a top sprint of up to 500 km/h. Despite its distance of only 30 kilometers, since it is a high-speed train, then it is considered to have a business class on its own. Now, we know what you thinking, why not replace our commuter trains with a high-speed train like in Shanghai? While it would allow having a business class for our MRT and LRT, let us consider the cost. See, Shanghai's Maglev Train did cost for US$ 1.58 Billion, and as of 2013, they only reached 1.5 million passengers since they began operation in 2003. For a ten-year run, they only earned US$ 10 million, and that didn't reach even a tenth from how much this had cost. So for a country that is less fortunate than China, it is impractical to invest a high-speed train for Metro Manila. What we need to have more train systems, which is actually what MRT-7 and Manila Subway could do in the future. Even if we have it, would the passengers buy it? Given how impractical business class for our commuter train is, it is most likely that MRT and LRT patrons would choose not to. To make this worse, the services that are being offered for regular passengers and those in business class might be almost the same. For instance, if you choose to take the business class but you need to fall in line for a ticket just like everyone else, then what's the point of having a business class In the first place? Senator Grace Poe also suggests that passengers on the business class would pay PhP 200.00 to 300.00. If that's the case, we would suggest to take Grab instead. It's easier, quite fast, but has almost the same comfort as well. LRTA has spoken, they too disagree with the idea In GMA's morning news program "Unang Balita", Atty. Hernando Cabrera, who spoke on behalf of the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) opposes the proposal by Senator Grace Poe. He said that the concept of offering business-class on a train does not fit in the commuter lines of our metro rail system. "Business Class might be a good idea for trains with a long-haul trips. It won't be suitable for our commuter train, given that it only takes minutes you to ride one." Cabrera added. In the end, having a business-class on our commuter trains was a bad idea. The only way to solve the longing transportation woes in Metro Manila to improve our existing commuter train service by adding more trains and coaches, and by expanding our rail network.
The government is on the right track in building more infrastructures such as the MRT 7 and the Manila Subway. It may take longer, but it's the best solution to solve our transportation woes. After all, Metro Manila is ever-expanding, the population is growing, and so the demand for better mass transport is much more needed in the future. Sources: GMA News, maglev.net, LRT, DOTR We owe our teachers a lot, from their sacrifices to educate the youth, to their daily struggles in commuting from their house to work. Without them, we cannot imagine how chaotic our society could be. And this is why the world shall celebrate the World Teacher's Month this coming 5th of October. And thus, PAMANA Transport Services Inc. and St. Martin of Tours Trailways Inc. offers free bus rides to our teachers on the 4th and 5th of October. In an announcement coming from these two sister bus companies, PAMANA Transport Services Inc. and St. Martin of Tours Trailways Inc. shall offer free bus rides to all commuting teachers on the 4th and 5th of October 2019. This is to celebrate the World Teachers Day this year.
Teachers shall only present their School ID to the conductor in availing these free services by the company. And as they say, to the Warriors of Education, Thank you! The General Santos-based bus company, Yellow Bus Line is bringing up an armada of brand-new Zhongtong buses and is now heading to the South Central Mindanao. Spotted in Manila by Eugene Buenavista of Pinoy Bus Photography, these buses that are handful in numbers are now ready to roll, to serve the riding public in the South Central Mindanao. These buses are the Zhongtong Elegance. It's a 49 seater bus, not the top-of-the-line in comparison to other offerings from Zhongtong, but it's decent enough to deliver a luxurious and comfortable ride to its passengers. Can run smoothly fast, thanks to its air-suspension and has a top speed of 120 km/h.
According to our sources, they'll be deployed for General Santos - Kidapawan Route. A route that was just newly launched by the company earlier this year. |
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