Cebu's Train Trails

On September 16, 1907, the train made the inaugural run from Cebu City to Danao on the railroad operated by the Philippine Railway Company. This extended the rail road service that, at this time, was already operational between Argao in the south and Cebu City.

Many Cebuanos no longer remember that Cebu used to have an Argao-to-Danao railroad, or that in early 1900s there were plans for an electric car service within cebu City itself.

Cebu's railroad service ended with the destruction of World War II, but it was already dying even before then. While it was boon for big agricultural producers, the railroad was not too popular with the general riding public (which, to begin with, was nt that large in the pre-war years).

In the 1930s, there was stiff competition with bus companies. Bus rides did not only cost less, they were more congenial to the habits of local travelers. Slower and more round-about, with frequent stops (discharging and picking passengers who have to answer the call of nature). they were (for travelers of old) more convivial than inconvenient, much like spending a lazy day visiting neighbors.

Source from Sun*Star Weekend
By: Ybarra
picture courtesy by Cebuano Center