Welcome one and all to the 'Philippine Railway Historical Society' blogsite. This site was set up to share photos, historical pieces, comment and virtually anything else pertaining to transportation in the Philippines, with a special emphasis on rail. Occasional we vary from topic, but this is the less serious side of the hobby shining through - cause sometimes, in this miserable and uptight world, we just take ourselves a little too seriously. Since 1999, the Philippine Railway Historical Society has regularly published items, FOR FREE, of railway interest on our PRHS Website. These include locomotive, rollingstock and transit updates, as well as our occasional magazine, 'Along Da Riles'. Our interest base has grown over the years with our main Facebook railway group expanding to include groups interested in other Philippine Transport, modelling of Philippine transport and even a group for Philippine railfans interested in overseas railways. If it sounds interesting, come join in the fun of the oldest, and most diverse, group dedicated to Philippine railways and other transport. We look forward to meeting you.
If you have a question Philippine railway related, just drop us a line, maybe we can help. _ _
Again we return to 2011 as the process of going through all the photos of that trip continues.
During this trip, the PRHS was lucky to have been granted permission to inspect the LRT1 depot in Pasay City, Metro Manila.
The inspection took us through the yard, workshop, and control room. It was a very interesting look behind the scenes of this busy elevated Manila railway.
This is the first of a two part series looking at this important location on the day of our visit.
Manila's Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1) is the oldest rapid transit system in Southeast Asia, inaugurated in December 1984. Spanning approximately 19.65 kilometers (12.21 miles), it serves as a vital transportation link across Metro Manila, connecting the cities of Quezon City, Caloocan, Manila, Pasay, and Parañaque. The line operates on an elevated route with 20 stations, facilitating efficient travel through some of the most densely populated areas in the region.
The LRT-1 was developed to address the escalating traffic congestion in Metro Manila. Initially envisioned as a street-level railway, the government opted for an elevated system to minimize disruption to existing roadways and ensure smoother traffic flow. Construction commenced in 1981, and the first segment, from Central Terminal to Monumento, began operations in May 1985.
Over the years, the line has undergone various expansions and upgrades to meet the growing demands of commuters. A significant development is the Cavite Extension, which aims to extend the line further south, enhancing connectivity and alleviating traffic in the southern parts of Metro Manila.
If you find an interest in Philippines cities/provinces, aviation, and other topics, come along and check out our
At the time of our visit, we were told this type were problematic and there were not many in traffic.
With the recent arrival of the new 4G sets, I am told that both these, and the 1G sets, all mostly not in use other than for irregular training purposes.
Photo: Brad Peadon
2G 1127 1121 1128 lined up at the depot.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Closer view of 2G 1121 1128 lined up at the depot.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Two of our depot guides with sister in law Zeny (black) and Kuya Pia (yellow).
Photo: Brad Peadon
Above and below
Other view of some 2G sets. As these were harder to get at stations, I did sort of obsess over them.
It's getting near on a decade and a half ago that my friend David and I travelled on down to Naga for a few days.
Down there we were to catch up with fellow Aussie mate Paul, inspect the line to Legaspi, ride the Bicol Commuter, and have a good explore of Naga station and yard.
Such is the size of Naga, this posting is over two parts. Even more if you include all the other station visits to come.
The future of this important yard is in doubt with the proposed 'South Long Haul Project' including plans to put Naga station outside of the main city to ease congestion and ease curvature.
Interested In All Things Philippines? We Have Heaps.
Naga Railway Station, located in Naga City in the Bicol region of the Philippines, has a significant history tied to the development of transportation in the country.
The station was established as part of the Philippine National Railways (PNR) system, which was originally operated by the Manila Railway Company (MRC) in the early 1920. Naga served as a crucial hub for travelers and goods moving between the Bicol Peninsula and Manila.
Over the years, the Naga Railway Station became vital to the local economy, connecting the region with major cities and providing an important mode of transportation. However, like many other railway systems in the Philippines, the Naga station experienced a decline in service during the late 20th century, particularly with the rise of road transportation.
Today is operates services north to Sipocot, and south down to Legaspi.
Are you interested in the fascinating sugarcane railways on the islands of Negros and Panay (Philippines)?
We have started a new specialising in this topic, aimed at local historians, railfans interested in these railways, and people with a general interest in the industry.
We always welcome news, photos and small articles for inclusion on both this site and our parent group (see below). Please email us!
PRHS.Society at gmail.com
The Philippine Railway Historical Society websites and forums on Facebook and Twitter, along with our YouTube channel, have further information regarding these interesting railways and also a number of chat forums for those interested in all areas of Philippine transportation.
Our various forums have the latest news and information from a number of very knowledgeable people. Please join in with our PRHS family, learn about the railways of the Philippines and make new friends.
We now act as a information society, having removed ourselves from the badder elements of the Manila railfan hobby, existing to meet and help others with similar interests.
PRHS - Longest Running Philippine Railways group.
26 years of serving the Philippine railway hobby.
Brad
Australia
FREE PRHS RAILWAY PUBLICATIONS
The PRHS regularly publishes magazines (mostly ezines, but sometimes hard copies) covering different railway topics. Locomotive, rollingstock and transit updates, publications aimed at modellers and our occasional magazine 'Along Da Riles'. In the future, we are planning a number of other publications of interest to everyone, along with plans for a regularly updated database, and another plan that could prove to be a first for the Philippines. PRHS: Bringing a railfan hobby to the nation.
Want more information on the PRHS or have another Philippine railway enquiry?
Philippine Railway Historical Society
For all your Philippine railway information photos and chat, please visit our HOMEPAGE! Our group and activities are free - we are here to promote interest in the Philippine railways, make friendships and help with information. We are not a fundraising group and do not ask for funds. Do you support the past and future of the railways in the Philippines? Come chat with us atPRHSFacebook.We look forward to meeting you.
