officiallrt1

08 May 2020 Manila, Philippines – Preparations are in full swing as the Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) anticipates the resumption of the LRT-1 operations. This is after the Department of Transportation (DOTr) released new safety guidelines for mass public transportation once the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) enforced in Metro Manila is lifted.

To ensure the welfare and protection of both passengers and employees, LRT-1 private operator LRMC will implement the following health and safety measures to fight the spread of COVID-19 once it re-opens its trains to the public.

Passenger guidelines

• No mask no entry.
• Thermal screening done upon entry of LRT-1 station. Those with temperature greater than 37.6˚ C will not be allowed to enter the station.
• Physical distancing will be strictly enforced at the stations and trains, with floor markings as guidance.
• Passengers are encouraged to use Stored Value Cards for contactless payment.
• Placement of foot bath or disinfecting mats in all LRT-1 station entrances.
• Passengers will still be requested to open their bags for verification, but LRT-1 security will be using a hand-held metal detector, and no frisking will be conducted.

Increased sanitation and safety promotion

• Alcohol sanitizer dispensers will be available at all ticket booths, while liquid soap dispensers will be available in restrooms.
• Trains are to be disinfected upon reaching the ends of the line at Roosevelt and Baclaran stations, and deep-cleaned at the end of each day. The driver’s cab is to be cleaned before each handover.
• Commonly touched areas such as ticket booths, ticket vending machines, handrails, elevators, escalators, platform benches, and comfort rooms will be cleaned every 30 minutes.
• Safety video reminders from the Department of Health and the World Health Organization will be played on the LCD screens, while posters and signage will be displayed prominently at each station and in each train. Staff and train drivers shall remind passengers to follow physical distancing at all times.

As the company leverages on the use of technology, passengers are encouraged to go digital and use the ikotMNL mobile app to easily get updates and announcements, plan their trips, check the LRT-1’s schedule and crowd status at the stations ahead of time. They can also relay their COVID-19 related concerns or inquiries through this mobile app. LRMC uses an automated system in the deployment of its trains, which provides better flexibility to match passenger volume for the day and avoid crowd build-up.

LRMC is working with partners to develop innovative sanitation technologies and methods to be more efficient and effective in keeping the railway safe for passengers. In addition, LRMC is looking out for its employees by providing them with face masks, hygiene supplies, regular health checks, and modified work arrangements.

“We look forward to serving once again our passengers who rely on the LRT-1 for their daily commute. We are committed to keeping you safe and giving you peace of mind as you ride our trains and return to your routine. Now more than ever, we appeal for your cooperation as we all face this new normal,” said Juan F. Alfonso, President and CEO of LRMC.

LRT-1 operations have been suspended since March 17 as a result of the government’s extension of the enhanced community quarantine. Preventive and maintenance work for the line have been undertaken during this period in accordance with the IATF’s work safety guidelines to ensure improved service.

For more updates and info on the LRT-1, follow LRMC on Facebook at facebook.com/officialLRT1, or on Twitter at @officialLRT1.

(ENDS)

LRMC is a joint venture company of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation’s Metro Pacific Light Rail Corporation (MPLRC), Ayala Corporation’s AC Infrastructure Holdings Corporation (AC Infra), and the Philippine Investment Alliance for Infrastructure’s Macquarie Infrastructure Holdings (Philippines) PTE Ltd. (MIHPL). It assumed operations and maintenance of LRT-1 in September 2015 through a PHP 65-billion 32-year concession agreement with the Department of Transportation and the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA). LRT-1 is Metro Manila’s ISO-certified train system.

05 May 2020 Manila, Philippines – LRT-1 private operator Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) has resumed works on the 11.7 kilometer Cavite Extension Project after receiving the green light from the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) and Department of Transportation (DOTr) to carry on with select repair and infrastructure works while the Enhanced Community Quarantine is still in place.

The scheduled test pit works (bridge and pipe inspection) required for the construction along the CAVITEX – Paranaque bridge is set to begin on May 07, 2020 (7AM) until May 22, 2020 (11:59PM). As a result, there will be a temporary road closure of the innermost lane (northbound) along CAVITEX – Paranaque bridge to give way to the necessary activities in the area during the same period. This was previously announced and rescheduled due to the government’s implementation of Enhanced Community Quarantine program last March 17.

Design works, assembly works and select tasks at the precast yard area are also ongoing for the Cavite Extension Project—which would see the LRT-1 line reach Bacoor, Cavite.

IATF-compliant operations

As part of the DOTr’s request to allow the resumption of maintenance and construction work on current rail projects, LRMC has complied with the IATF’s stated guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in their workplace. LRMC has implemented the following measures in their workplace at all times:

• Reducing operations to a skeletal workforce
• Providing accommodations and point-to-point shuttle services for workers
• Regular disinfection of all workplaces, shuttles, and accommodations
• Regular monitoring of personnel health and COVID-19 symptoms
• Imposition of physical distancing and proper hygiene

LRT-1 ready for better service

Preventive and corrective maintenance works, including the replacement of air-conditioning compressor units, are now in progress to ensure the public of better service when LRMC resumes operations of LRT-1. Public transport operations have been suspended since March 17 in line with the government’s enhanced community quarantine enforced in Luzon.

“Rest assured that we are taking every opportunity during this time to come back better for Filipino commuters. We are taking great efforts to make sure our workers remain safe and healthy by following the proper guidelines and precautions set by the government,” said LRMC Chief Operating Officer Enrico Benipayo.

For more updates and info on the LRT-1, follow LRMC on Facebook at facebook.com/officialLRT1, Twitter at @officialLRT1, or download the ikotMNL mobile app for free on Google Play and App Store.

(ENDS)

LRMC is a joint venture company of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation’s Metro Pacific Light Rail Corporation (MPLRC), Ayala Corporation’s AC Infrastructure Holdings Corporation (AC Infra), and the Philippine Investment Alliance for Infrastructure’s Macquarie Infrastructure Holdings (Philippines) PTE Ltd. (MIHPL). It assumed operations and maintenance of LRT-1 in September 2015 through a PHP 65-billion 32-year concession agreement with the Department of Transportation and the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA). LRT-1 is Metro Manila’s ISO-certified train system.

10 March 2020, Manila, PHILIPPINES – Construction progress of the LRT-1 Cavite Extension has reached 36.8% completion to date since the start of its civil works last September 2019. The pre-cast yard and staging area have been completed, with pillars already built along the stretch of Dr. Santos Station until MIA Station.

The 11.7-kilometer project of the Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC), private operator of LRT-1, is expected to service and benefit 800,000 passengers daily by cutting down travel time between Baclaran and Bacoor from 1 hour and 10 minutes to just about 25 minutes.

With the construction works in full swing, a temporary road closure of the inner most lane (northbound) along CAVITEX – Paranaque bridge is set for implementation from March 17 – 31, 2020. This is to give way to the scheduled test pit works (bridge and pipe inspection) required for the construction in the area relative to the LRT-1 Cavite Extension project.

LRMC works closely with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) for the Cavite Extension project under President Rodrigo Duterte’s Build Build Build program.

“We would like to request for the understanding and cooperation of all motorists using the CAVITEX. The temporary road closure of one lane is necessary to prepare the foundations needed to construct the LRT-1 Cavite Extension in the area and complete it as scheduled. We are working closely with various government offices such as the DOTR, LRTA, Department of Public Works and Highways, Philippine Reclamation Authority, Toll Regulatory Board, Metro Manila Development Authority, Maynilad, CAVITEX Infrastructure Corporation, and the local government units for the construction works and traffic management. We thank the public for their patience, and we would like to reassure them that this temporary inconvenience will bring long-term benefits,“ LRMC Cavite Extension Management Team (CEMT) Project Execution Manager Reynaldo Pangilinan said.

 (ENDS)

LRMC is a joint venture company of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation’s Metro Pacific Light Rail Corporation (MPLRC), Ayala Corporation’s AC Infrastructure Holdings Corporation (AC Infra), and the Philippine Investment Alliance for Infrastructure’s Macquarie Infrastructure Holdings (Philippines) PTE Ltd. (MIHPL). It assumed operations and maintenance of LRT-1 in September 2015 through a PHP 65-billion 32-year concession agreement with the Department of Transportation and the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA). LRT-1 is Metro Manila’s ISO-certified train system.

09 March 2020 Manila, Philippines – Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) unveiled today an art display at LRT-1 Baclaran Station featuring a painting titled “Women and Time,” in celebration of International Women’s Month this March.

The 8’ by 12’ acrylic on wood painting illustrates how the role of women has metamorphosed through the course of time – from breaking barriers between the male and female persona in the workforce while continuing to reshape the society. It features women excelling in different fields such as weightlifting, medicine, crime-fighting, among others. Transcending gender boundaries is also currently the theme behind 2020 International Women’s Month message, “An equal world is an enabled world.”

The painting was originally commissioned by the Family Council of Assumption College San Lorenzo for the school’s Family Day activity last 22 February 2020. Gerilya, an artist collective, completed the live production of this mural together with parents and students of Assumption College from pre-kinder to Grade 12. From sketching to final signature, the painting was completed in 7 hours. Sculptors Wed and Rosa Lodriga also co-produced the installation. The painting was turned over to LRMC who also provided the sponsorship support.

This initiative is the first in the El Arte campaign series of LRMC to make LRT-1 train stations as platforms for celebrating and appreciating public art.

LRMC Head of Communications & Customer Relations Jacqueline Gorospe shared “We normally think of trains as a way to get from point A to point B. But understanding that train stations are also shared spaces for both train and human activity, we want to show through our El Arte campaign series that art is accessible even outside art’s usual spaces such as museums or galleries.”

“Basically our idea is: if you can’t go to art shows, the art goes to you!” We hope that through our special initiatives such as this, LRMC can boost the commute experience of LRT-1 passengers while at the same time providing support in promoting arts and culture,” Communications Head Jacqueline Gorospe added.

“Women and Time” display will run for the whole month of March 2020.

Get your selfies ready for more fresh and artistic developments at the LRT-1 stations!

(ENDS)

LRMC is a joint venture company of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation’s Metro Pacific Light Rail Corporation (MPLRC), Ayala Corporation’s AC Infrastructure Holdings Corporation (AC Infra), and the Philippine Investment Alliance for Infrastructure’s Macquarie Infrastructure Holdings (Philippines) PTE Ltd. (MIHPL). It assumed operations and maintenance of LRT-1 in September 2015 through a PHP 65-billion 32-year concession agreement with the Department of Transportation and the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA). LRT-1 is Metro Manila’s ISO-certified train system.

Experience the different stages of love unfold inside LRT-1’s Love Train

In celebration of the season of love this February, the Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) continues its Valentine’s Day tradition with the launch of its annual LRT-1 Love Train, which is now on its 4th year.

The theme for this year’s edition is Love is in the Train, with the three coaches made up to display the different stages of love.

The first train car has a sweet first date theme, coated in pastel colors displaying images of ice cream and donut desserts that budding couples often share together. The second car is themed sweet shabby chic, with floral designs—as well as the three magic words: “She said yes!”—that come with a successful marriage proposal installed in the train’s articulation area. The third car has a rustic wedding theme, which represents the intimate magic of the most important day of a couple’s life through wood, brick, and floral designs. Passengers will find some love quotes that they can relate to, printed on the windows of the train. The Love Train also showcases interactive wall activities to encourage passengers to take photos and share them online for surprise giveaways.

LRT-1 passengers joining the Love Train launch event on 12 February will enjoy some sweet treats and will be serenaded by the LRMC choir and train operators with fun, heartwarming songs.

“We hope that through this special Valentine’s month display, LRMC can make our passengers’ days extra brighter and happier this season,” LRMC President and CEO Juan F. Alfonso said.

Look out for the LRT-1 Love Train along the line starting this week!

10 February 2020, Manila, PHILIPPINES — Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC), the private operator of LRT-1, has transformed two (2) LRT-1 concrete pillars located between Central Station and Manila City Hall along Natividad-Lopez St. into green vertical gardens.

This vertical garden initiative, a first for the City of Manila, is in support of Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso’s planned 1,600 hectares of green space to make Manila’s environment healthy and livable again.

In a formal partnership signing held at the Manila City Hall today, LRMC President and CEO Juan Alfonso said, “As twelve out of the twenty stations of the LRT-1 pass through the City of Manila, LRMC is happy to work closely with the local government of Manila in implementing projects that push for sustainability and integrated mobility. We share the vision of Mayor Isko of a more vibrant, green, and improved City of Manila.”

LRMC, with the support of First Balfour–MRail, developed a metal frame around the LRT-1 pillars on which the vertical gardens have come up. The vertical gardens are made of assorted bird’s nest fern, manaog ka irog, and philodendron heartleaf. The plants are seen to help fight air pollution, as well as improve the aesthetic appeal of the concrete pillars. LRMC and the City of Manila through the Department of Tourism, Cultural, and Arts, will both share the responsibility of maintaining the plants in the vertical gardens.

According to Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso, “I’m after clean air and lowering the carbon footprint. Air is difficult to keep clean, water –you can cure it, but the only way to clean our air is through nature.”

LRMC and the City of Manila are inviting other interested parties or sponsor companies to take the green initiative and join by funding the construction of more vertical gardens along the City of Manila using the first two LRT-1 posts as prototype.

(ENDS)

LRMC is a joint venture company of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation’s Metro Pacific Light Rail Corporation (MPLRC), Ayala Corporation’s AC Infrastructure Holdings Corporation (AC Infra), and the Philippine Investment Alliance for Infrastructure’s Macquarie Infrastructure Holdings (Philippines) PTE Ltd. (MIHPL). It assumed operations and maintenance of LRT-1 in September 2015 through a PHP 65-billion 32-year concession agreement with the Department of Transportation and the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA).

18 December 2019, MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC), the private operator of LRT-1, received a commendation from Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur P. Tugade for the fast and efficient progress of the on-going construction of the LRT-1 Cavite Extension during a site visit Tuesday, December 17.

LRMC President and CEO Juan F. Alfonso who was present in the site visit said,  “We thank the good Secretary Tugade and our partner government and private agencies for their support to make the LRT-1 Cavite Extension project happen. The construction has really started and we’re excited for our Filipino passengers to finally experience a comfortable, safe, and efficient mode of transportation that they deserve.”

LRMC works closely with DOTr and Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) for the Cavite Extension project under the Build Build Build program. Since the start of civil works on September 1, 2019, the pre-cast yard and staging area have been completed. Six piers and five portals have also been built from the pre-cast yard towards the area of Dr. Santos station. Preparations of the bored piling works along Ninoy Aquino Avenue is on-going and construction of MIA station will commence in 2020.

According to Cavite Extension Management Team (CEMT) Project Execution Manager Reynaldo Pangilinan, “The construction methodology being used in LRT-1 Cavite Extension is an above-ground launcher, which allows for faster execution of the project. This also minimizes effect on the ground-level traffic because the viaducts are transported above-ground instead of street-level.”

From Baclaran, eight (8) more stations–Redemptorist, MIA, Asiaworld, Ninoy Aquino, Dr. Santos, Las Piñas, Zapote, and Niog–will be added which will increase the total number of LRT-1 stations from 20 to 28. Once fully operational, the entire line of LRT-1 is expected to accommodate 800,000 passengers daily, nearly double its current average ridership of 480,000 to 500,000 passengers daily.

“Very good. I’m really very happy that I saw excavations and vertical pillars. I will say I’m very impressed with what I saw. It’s [the construction] moving so fast that it is unbelievable,” Secretary Tugade said.

The 11.7-kilometer project aims to cut travel time between Baclaran and Bacoor from 1 hour and 10 minutes to just 25 minutes

(END)

LRMC is a joint venture company of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation’s Metro Pacific Light Rail Corporation (MPLRC), Ayala Corporation’s AC Infrastructure Holdings Corporation (AC Infra), and the Philippine Investment Alliance for Infrastructure’s Macquarie Infrastructure Holdings (Philippines) PTE Ltd. (MIHPL). It assumed operations and maintenance of LRT-1 in September 2015 through a PHP 65-billion 32-year concession agreement with the Department of Transportation and the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA).

MANILA, November 27, 2019 – LRT-1 private operator, Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC), spreads the holiday cheer yet again with its version of Christmas Train this year.

With the theme, “Christmas In Our Homes,” three light rail vehicles (LRVs) were adorned with three-dimensional decals to make the interior look and feel like traditional and modern Filipino homes.

“Christmas train is symbolic in many ways. It’s symbolic that Christmas is already here and the spirit of joy and cheer, and a time for people to reunite with their friends and family is near. We thank our customers who ride the LRT-1 on a daily basis. We hope the decorations of our train delight you. It’s our simple way of giving good riding experience and comfortable movement for the people,” said Ayala Corporation Chairman and CEO and LRMC Vice Chairman Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala.

The LRT-1 Christmas Train launch featured surprise performances inside the train by renowned Filipino singer and songwriter, Jose Mari Chan, and young carolers from Children’s Joy Foundation, Inc. OPM artists also serenaded passengers with heartfelt Christmas songs at the Central Terminal. Complimentary chocolates were distributed to LRT-1 passengers to complete their Christmas train ride experience.

LRMC President and CEO Juan Alfonso shared, “We are happy to continue the tradition. This is our fourth year of dressing up select LRT-1 trains for Christmas. It’s part of our continued efforts to delight our passengers and give them an enjoyable experience, while we also work harder to improve train services for safe, reliable, and comfortable journey.”

The LRT-1 Christmas Train which will also showcase puzzle slides and other interactive wall activities will run until February 2020!

(Ends)

04 November 2019, MANILA, Philippines — With the aim of increasing passenger delight through positive customer satisfaction and feedback, LRT line 1 private operator Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) partnered with the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) to conduct a series of gender sensitivity trainings for the security personnel of LRT-1.

LRMC Chief Operating Officer Enrico R. Benipayo said the partnership covers educating security guards in proper handling of commuters, of all genders, so they may enjoy a safe and comfortable ride in LRT-1. “We acknowledge the fact that we have passengers from the LGBTQ community that is why we teamed up with CHR to help us promote respect in human rights and gender sensitivity among our 500,000 passengers every day.”

CHR Atty. Ma. Teresa  P. Diola facilitated the training focused on explaining how LRT-1 security personnel should be sensitive and respectful and have no judgment on any passenger’s gender identity. “We gave them simple and practical tips such as greetings and approach that may apply to LGBTQ commuters. If they are equipped with this knowledge, complaints, cases of discrimination and violation of human rights will be minimized or avoided,” she added.

LRMC Head of Security CDR George L. Dominguez PN (Ret) also shared, “We listened to the clamor of our security personnel to be provided with this kind of training and we’re happy with their active response and engagement. Kasi sila mismo they want to give excellent customer service to all passengers.”

According to Diola, “There are only few private companies and organizations that tap CHR for this kind of training. So, we commend LRMC for partnering with our agency which was also appointed as the Gender Ombud.

LRMC targets to complete the series of gender sensitivity trainings for LRT-1 security team before the year ends.

LRMC is a joint venture company of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation’s Metro Pacific Light Rail Corporation (MPLRC), Ayala Corporation’s AC Infrastructure Holdings Corporation (AC Infra), and the Philippine Investment Alliance for Infrastructure’s Macquarie Infrastructure Holdings (Philippines) PTE Ltd. (MIHPL). It assumed operations and maintenance of LRT-1 in September 2015 through a PHP 65-billion 32-year concession agreement with the Department of Transportation and the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA).

(End)