officiallrt1

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)

25 October 2019, MANILA — Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC), the private operator and maintenance provider of LRT line 1 has continued to upgrade the system and facilities of the country’s first and oldest railway since taking over in September 2015 spending P8.7 billion to date to rehabilitate and improve the existing LRT-1 trains and system.

From 478 trips per day in 2016, LRMC has reached 520 trips daily, serving around 500,000 passengers every day. Headway was further reduced from six minutes to four minutes in 2016 to 3.5 minutes in 2018.

LRMC President and CEO Juan Alfonso said, “We work very hard to provide safe, reliable, efficient and comfortable journey for commuters.”

New rails and stronger structure

LRMC is steadfast in improving the commuting experience of LRT-1 passengers. In January 2018, it completed the replacement of old rails that have been exposed to rail contact fatigue such as shelling and corrugations.

The 20-kilometer rail replacement from Roosevelt to Baclaran stations aims to extend rail and track component life and reduce wear on rolling stock to help increase train speeds.

Alfonso shares, “With the new rails, commuters will enjoy a smoother ride and that means improving the quality of their riding experience in LRT-1.”

With 35 years of daily operations, multiple sections of LRT-1 have suffered from cracked concrete and exposed or damaged rebars. River bridges have deteriorated.

Today, the existing 20-kilometer LRT-1 line runs proud with stronger parapets putting to rest the questions on the structural integrity of the three-decade old public utility. Concrete repairs, sandblasting to remove corrosion, repainting, installation of new collision dampers to protect bridges from ship collision were done to complete the structural defect restoration works.

Noise pollution, a common complaint by establishments and neighboring communities near LRT-1 has been addressed. Thanks to the newly installed noise barriers running along the existing line. A comparison of noise monitoring activities conducted in February 2017 and September 2019 between Tayuman and Blumentritt stations reported significant decrease to 13% of noise levels after the installation of new parapets and noise barriers–from 79.20 dB to 66.98 dB on street level and from 84.78 dB to 71 dB in viaduct during daytime.

Fully upgraded signaling system, electric supply

LRMC continues to serve the riding public through its facility and system upgrades.

The private operator eyes to complete the new signaling system for the existing LRT-1 line by November 2020. With the new signaling system, train service schedule will improve. It will also help better the passenger service by ensuring that trains arrive regularly and on-time.

“The new signaling system is what will also give us a further reduced headway of 2.5 minutes in the existing LRT-1 line and soon, the first phase of the Cavite Extension. We have automated many systems and we will continue to invest and innovate to make processes more efficient and modern,” said the LRMC President.

Meanwhile, the private operator has started the rehabilitation of its Rectifier Substation(RSS) for a brand new electric supply of LRT-1. The project covers electrical, mechanical and minor civil and architectural works.

Improved passenger experience in trains and stations

If you take LRT-1 going to work or school, chances are you have already noticed the new station and wayfinding signage in LRT-1 stations such as Vito Cruz, Baclaran, EDSA and Doroteo Jose.

Alfonso shared that LRMC invests in bringing customer delight through positive passenger experience. “We installed these signages because we want to make our stations more passenger-friendly and give it a fresher and crisp look at par with the international standards.”

Station signage in railway stations allows passengers to navigate faster and decide where to go. When they have access to right station information and platform locations, it empowers them to efficiently manage their travel time.

The wayfinding signage is what helps commuters know the nearest shopping mall, church, restaurant, museums and tourist spots from the station and in times of emergency, the hospital and police station.

While some LRT-1 first generation light rail vehicles (LRVs) are still operational when LRMC took over, several LRVs already have air-conditioning units (ACUs) issues. LRMC has ordered 120 units of brand new ACU compressors which are expected to arrive by end of 2019.

The completed improvements and ongoing rehabilitation projects of LRMC will help ensure that LRT-1 will continue to run and operate in the next 30 years or more to provide safe and reliable transport for Filipino passengers.

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)

24 October 2019, Manila, Philippines – In observance of the holiday season, LRT-1 private operator Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) announced today its extended train service schedule from October 25, 2019 to December 31, 2019.

The last trip leaving Baclaran Station is at 10:00 PM, while the last train leaves Roosevelt Station at 10:15 PM during weekdays. On weekends, the last train is scheduled to depart from Baclaran and Roosevelt stations at 9:30 PM and 9:45 PM, respectively.

LRMC Chief Operating Officer Enrico Benipayo shared, “We are extending the LRT-1 operating hours to accommodate the influx of passengers during the holiday rush. We continue to listen and find ways on how to better serve the needs of our customers.”

There will be no changes in the first trip for both northbound and southbound trips of LRT-1 which start at 4:30 AM on weekdays and weekends.

On Christmas Eve (December 24), the LRT-1’s operating schedule will be from 4:30 AM to 8:00 PM both bounds, and 4:30 AM to 7:00 PM both bounds for New Year’s Eve (December 31). LRT-1 will also be open to service passengers on December 25, 2019 (Christmas Day) and January 1, 2020 (New Year’s Day).

The riding public is advised to be guided accordingly on the changes in schedule and plan ahead during this period.

 (END)

21 October 2019, Manila, PHILIPPINES — Commuters and travelers taking the iconic LRT-1 line are in for a better travel experience as the Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) improves the EDSA station by expanding its capacity and providing even more amenities.

LRMC aims to address the limited space situation in the EDSA LRT-1 station—one of the busiest and most jam-packed train stations in Metro Manila thanks to its connections to many other areas and modes of transportation—by expanding the structure through the third floor of the adjacent Lianas/Mayson department store and building a new connecting bridge.

“We want all our commuters to have the best travel experience as they discover the joys and hidden secrets of Manila, and we are continually committed to providing comfort and convenience on the LRT-1,” said LRMC President and CEO Juan F. Alfonso. “All our efforts in this endeavor, including the further extension and modernization of the LRT-1 line, are made toward achieving this goal.”

The improvements on the new expansion in particular are new ticket booths, comfort rooms, LED lighting setups, interior paint jobs, floor finishes, and a PWD ramp. Meanwhile, the connecting bridge also comes with a new roofing system and architectural finishes, while the southeast leg of the station gets a new fire exit and a wider space, with the demolition of old ticket booths.

The EDSA station expansion is in conjunction with the current LRT-1 Cavite Extension Project, which will link Pasay and the rest of Metro Manila to Cavite and dramatically shorten travel time, as well as ongoing modernization efforts to increase efficiency, safety, environmental friendliness, commuter friendliness, train capacity, and quality. Thanks to these improvements, LRMC has also maintained its ISO certification of compliance to international standards in Quality Management System (ISO 9001:2015) and Environmental Management System (ISO 14001:2015).

For more info and updates, like Light Rail Manila Corporation on Facebook, and @officialLRT1 on Twitter.

KEEPING QUALITY SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION FOR PASSENGERS

08 October 2019, Manila, PHILIPPINES — Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1) operator Light Rail Manila Corporation renews its certification of compliance to international standards in Quality Management System (ISO 9001:2015) and Environmental Management System (ISO 14001:2015).

“We are happy to share this achievement because it is a result of our teamwork and commitment to quality. LRMC is committed to pursuing initiatives to modernize and improve LRT-1 and give Filipino passengers safe and quality transportation that they deserve,” LRMC President and CEO Juan Alfonso said.

The affirmation of certification was secured by LRMC after a two-day audit conducted by international certification body TüV Rheinland last July 18 to 19. This is the second year surveillance audit that LRMC has proven consistency in upholding the ISO standards since being certified last August 9, 2017.

LRMC was commended for improved passenger queueing, further reduction of headway from six minutes to four minutes in 2016 to 3.5 minutes in 2018, shorter cycle time from an average of 117 minutes to 100 minutes in 2018 and increased number of daily trips from 400 to 520.

Results of TüV Rheinland’s audit also showed how LRMC demonstrated commitment to prioritize environmental management system through improved energy efficiency and reduced water consumption, paper usage and waste generation.

The audit team lauded LRMC for the innovation and development of its RIA (Recognition Information Action) safety mobile app available on Google Play Store and App Store. The app is used by LRMC employees as a tool to report hazards or potential danger they see in their workplaces including the stations.

“Remember that we do not only take care of our own safety only but also look after the safety of our coworkers,” Alfonso stated.

LRMC Director for Health Safety Environment and Quality (HSEQ) Andrea Madrid shared, “With the privatization of the country’s oldest railway system, we were able to improve the safety, security and cleanliness of the stations as well as the quality and efficiency of services offered to customers. We will continue to work hard to ensure that they enjoy a safe and comfortable journey every day.”

(End)