16 December 2021, MANILA, Philippines – The commuting experience in Manila is not complete without riding the LRT-1 trains. The reliable train line gets you wherever you need to go in the sprawling metro, but did you know that you can do more than just board a train at all the LRT-1 stations?
That’s right—there are many new stalls and different establishments that have popped up in all the LRT-1 stations that they’re pretty much one-stop shops for things you need. Take a look at what’s possible the next time you ride the LRT-1.
1. Eating at your favorite food stalls
LRT-1 certainly gives a whole new meaning to “foodtrip”! There are many new food stalls and kiosks found at the LRT-1 stations. Grab a bite of your favorite shawarma from Turks in Baclaran station, or buy some pasalubong on your way home in kiosks like Dunkin’ Donuts at D. Jose Station; Mister Donut, available in multiple stations such as Baclaran, EDSA, Gil Puyat, D. Jose, and Balintawak; Yumpanada, Eng Bee Tin, Thai Corn, and Waffle Haus in Baclaran
Other food concepts present are Waffle Time, Over Mango (known for their mango smoothies!) in Baclaran, and Potato Corner in Balintawak.
These are just a few of what you can find to satisfy your cravings, and you’re guaranteed to have something delicious every time you take the LRT-1!
2. Shopping for gifts, groceries, and other essentials
Go no further as shopping is made easier and more accessible! Discover what’s in store at the newly opened SM City Grand Central in Caloocan City through the direct and convenient connection to LRT-1 Monumento Station.
Need something quick and you’re looking for a convenience store on your way home? Don’t worry because your LRT-1 stations have got you covered. Doroteo Jose station now has a Watsons, Generika, and Alfamart that are easily accessible anytime. You don’t need to walk very far or out of the way for a convenience store!
3. Loading and purchasing using your beep™ cards
Contactless transactions have become part of the new normal during the COVID-19 pandemic. LRT-1 private operator Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) has been promoting the use of beep™ as a safer way to travel. beep™ or Stored Value Cards (SVC) cards have become one of the widely used payment methods today across different public transport modes.
In addition to the existing ticket vending machines, sixty-five (65) e-tap loading kiosks are now in LRT-1 stations so that passengers can easily load their beep™ on their own and enjoy the convenience of hassle-free journey by avoiding queues at teller booths, limited face-to-face contact, and exchange of cash. E-tap loading kiosks accept bills in all denominations;
What’s more, commuters can already pay with beep™ when buying from Master Siomai kiosks at several LRT-1 Baclaran, EDSA, and Balintawak stations. Cardholders can also load their beep™ cards here for future LRT-1 travels with any amount enjoying no convenience fee versus other beep™ loading partners.
4. Paying your bills
Bills payment can be a chore, especially if you have to go to a payment center that’s not really along the way. If you’re always on-the-go and need to pay your bills, there’s now a Bayad Center at Balintawak Station ready to serve you! And if you need to withdraw money, there’s also a BPI ATM in the same station, as well as many other LRT-1 stops. For those needing loose change, there are also bill-to-coin changer machines to help commuters convert their large bills.
5. Sending money and packages
There’s no need to head to any other place too far from the LRT-1 if you want to send a package or remit money! Courier services LBC and DHL have places kiosks open at Baclaran, Balintawak, and Doroteo Jose stations, while Cebuana Lhuillier has a kiosk at Baclaran.
With all these various shops and available services open along the LRT-1 line, you can save a lot more time getting what you need done during your commute!
Keeping commuters safe and protected
Now allowed to operate at 70% passenger capacity, LRMC continues to implement above-minimum health and safety protocols, such as complying with the government’s directive of having a “No face mask, No entry” policy and diligent temperature checks with Forward Looking Infrared thermal scanners in six major LRT-1 stations. Proper ventilation is assured with fresh air exchanged every three minutes and filtered in the ACU system. There are also disinfection mats and regular chemical disinfection complemented by UV-C disinfection of all trains and stations.
LRMC was also the first to implement the “no-talking and no answering phone calls” policy inside the trains. It has pioneered the use of digital and mobile technology via its ikotMNL mobile app for information dissemination and convenient trip planning.
As it strives to strengthen confidence in public transport, LRMC has achieved a 99.5% vaccination rate for LRT-1 employees and has recently been awarded the Safety Seal by the Pasay City local government highlighting the company’s compliance with COVID-19 protocols.
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.
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