Conclusions
The visits made at PNR station, the interviews and surveys conducted answered the queries of the researchers and the following has been unfold.
Bicolanos are aware of the resurrection of the Bicol Express Train. Majority of the passengers interviewed claimed that riding the Bicol Express Train was such a heart-warming experience since it offers cheaper fare, on-scheduled time of departure and time of arrival, comfortable and secured ride in fully air-conditioned coaches, good amenities and the like.
Though some of the commuters mentioned that they got the information from friends and relatives regarding the comforts of riding the train, the researchers believe that there's poor publicity and media mileage.
Bicol Express Train has been in long partnership with Bicol commerce and industry as it is one of the ideal carrier that continuously introduces and supplies the nearby markets with Bicol goods and products thereby helping flourishing and established businesses to survive and proliferate.
Teenagers are given the chance to experience the glory of riding the Bicol Express Train. The revitalization of the transportation linking Bicol to Manila provides the younger generation greater opportunities and easy accessibility of two worlds.
The study serves as a conveyor of authentic information on public knowledge and appreciation. It hopefully encourages the people to uphold the legacy and extensive patronization of the Bicol Express Train.
Recommendations
The team believes that the Bicol Express Train is an ideal and more conducive transport line, a better alternative to the usual transport via buses. A massive promotional campaign and media span - print, radio, TV broadcast, social networks would be of great help in creating awareness and eventually greater patronization.
To establish trust among its clientele, the management of Philippine National Railways should maintain its claim of bringing the commuters on time to their pointof destination not just providing them a cozy trip. The management should secure the safety of the passengers during the trip by providing more commuter-friendly police men and to act during untoward incidents like stone throwing and destruction of train properties. The researchers believe that one way for the management to convince more passengers is to make the exteriors of the train more appealing in synchronization with its interiors. Re-painting it with a more vibrant color and design will entice the commuters to take the train. To be abreast with the present generation, the coaches should be WI-FI ready so that commuters especially those techie and hi-tech ones will not miss their Facebook, Twitter and Skype accounts. PNR website must also be updated and come up with an online ticketing system just like what airlines do.
The national government should implement the guidelines in warding off illegal shanties that habituate along the railways for the safety of both the commuters and the residents as well. It should provide more financial assistance for the purchase of more modern coaches and for the improvement of facilities and amenities in every PNR station.
what's on their mind.
