LRT-1 releases guidelines for resumption of ops

FILE: Light Rail Manila Corporation personnel sanitize the interior of one of the trains in the Light Rail Transit Line 1 fleet. On Friday (May 8, 2020), the LRMC released guidelines for passengers and personnel to promote safety against Covid-19 after the lifting of the enhanced community quarantine in Metro Manila. (Photo courtesy of LRMC via PNA)

MANILA – Guidelines for passengers of the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1) has been released on Friday and will be implemented once the train service resumes operations after the lifting of the enhanced community quarantine in Metro Manila.

In a statement, the Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) management said the new guidelines would require LRT-1 passengers to wear facemasks or be denied entry, thermal screening, barring those with temperatures higher than 37.6˚ C, and the enforcement of physical distancing in all LRT-1 stations and trains.

“Physical distancing will be strictly enforced at the stations and trains, with floor markings as guidance,” the guidelines read.

In addition, it said passengers will be encouraged to use its “stored value cards” for contactless payment, use of footbaths or disinfecting mats in station entrances, and contactless enforcement of security through visual verification of passenger bags and the use of handheld metal detectors.

The measures comply with the safety guidelines released by the Department of Transportation for mass public transportation in areas under the less stringent general community quarantine.

As part of efforts to improve sanitation and promote safety of passengers, the LRMC said alcohol dispensers would be available at ticket booths, liquid soap dispensers available in restrooms, and the disinfection of all LRT-1 trains at the end of both northbound and southbound trips.

“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,” the guidelines read.

Aside from the enforcement of guidelines and the provision of sanitary services, it said passengers will also be given safety reminders through videos from the Department of Health and the World Health Organization played on LCD screens inside the trains.

It added that posters and signages would be displayed at every LRT-1 stations and trains.

Staff and train drivers will remind passengers to follow physical distancing at all times.

The LRT-1 mobile application, ikotMNL, will provide updates and announcements for passengers and allow its users to plan their trips, check train schedules, and see the crowd status at all stations in real-time.

“They can also relay their Covid-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) related concerns or inquiries through this mobile app,” the LRMC said.

Face masks, hygiene supplies, regular health checks, and modified work arrangements will be provided for its workforce.