31 July 2020 Manila, Philippines – LRT-1 private operator and maintenance provider, Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC), continues to pioneer digitalization for rail transport and find ways to enhance the commuting experience in Metro Manila.
Using the ikotMNL mobile app, LRT-1 passengers on trains and at the stations may activate the contact tracing feature via Bluetooth LE technology that allows detection of other passengers nearby. The contact tracing feature is automated, anonymous, and privacy-first by design. With the integration of this feature, LRT-1 passengers who may have come into close proximity with a fellow passenger who reports or tags himself later on as diagnosed positive with COVID-19 will be notified by government authorities when the respective contact tracing procedure begins. This is part of LRMC’S initiatives to keep reassuring the public of a safe railway, as well as help government authorities in fighting further spread of COVID-19 by addressing the challenges of manual contact tracing and providing safe and anonymous log interactions.
Meanwhile, LRMC has also partnered with Sakay.ph for easier trip planning, faster navigation, and best commute directions in the metro. Sakay.ph app offers transit directions in Metro Manila whether riding a jeepney, train, P2P bus, UV express, shuttle, Pasig River Ferry, and more. The integration of ikotMNL app with Sakay.ph provides commuters complete information on estimated time of travel, as well as directions and instructions on how to reach destinations by taking LRT-1 along with other modes of transport including walking.
LRMC President and CEO Juan F. Alfonso shared that despite the challenging times, LRMC continues to provide safe and comfortable journey to Filipino commuters. “We continue to challenge ourselves everyday on what we can do for the Filipino commuter. By leveraging on technology and exploring innovation solutions, we hope to continue raising the bar for rail transport in the Philippines and achieve our vision of integrated mobility,” said Alfonso.
The newest features of ikotMNL app are set to go live in August 2020.
The ikotMNL mobile app which was launched in November 2019 is the first railway and tourism app in the Philippines. It aims to be one-stop information for commuters and tourists traveling along the route of LRT-1 in Metro Manila. It can be downloaded for free on the App Store and Google Play.
