LAOAG CITY, Aug. 8 (PNA) — The provincial government of Ilocos Norte has expanded the service of the Night Express where jeepneys and buses ferry residents and tourists to various municipalities during night time.
From the three-day schedule a week, Night Express will now run for seven days a week to eight towns and one city — Bacarra, Vintar, Pasuquin, Dingras, Pagudpud, Burgos, Paoay, Nueva Era and Batac City.
The Metro Ilocos Norte Council (MINC) has approved the schedule after the success of the dry run of the service during the summer season.
It has been observed that a considerable number of residents have benefited since most of them work in Laoag City and go ho home to the neighboring municipalities.
Ernesto Tumaviene, a resident of Cadaratan in Bacarra town who goes home from his work in Laoag City about 7:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. took advantage of the Night Express said it saved him money and time since the province established the program.
“I used to rent a tricycle going home which costs me PHP 150-200 a night. Now that the Night Express is here, I have to pay only PHP70 and the jeepney will bring me safely up to the doorstep of our home,” Tumaviene said.
Transport drivers here also support the program wherein majority of them said, the program provides them additional income for their families.
The service is available from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. and is offered with regular fare.
Ilocos Norte Governor Imee R. Marcos’ vision to provide Ilocanos with improved transportation services in key economic zones in the province prompted the creation of the MINC. (PNA)