Light Rail Manila Corp. (LRMC), operator of the Light Rail Transit line 1 (LRT-1), has deployed e-tap loading kiosks in all stations as part of its initiative to promote a safer and more convenient commute for the riding public.
LRMC said it has rolled out 65 e-tap kiosks where passengers can load their beep cards or stored value cards (SVC) on their own to avoid queues at teller booths and for limited face-to-face contact and exchange of cash.
The e-tap kiosks will serve as an addition to the existing ticket vending machines which are used to buy/load SVCs and purchase single journey tickets. LRT-1 stations also have the beep e-load machine, an over-the-air loading machine where cardholders can transfer load from a mobile wallet or debit account to their beep cards.
The load is reflected when the card is tapped and updated using a beep e-load machine.
There are also SVC extender machines used by passengers to extend the validity of their expired beep cards. beep cards need to have a minimum balance of P10 to be extended.
Last month, LRMC has secured a safety certification from a reputable international testing facility to increase speed from 40 kilometers per hour (kph) to a maximum speed of 60 kph.
This will result in a shorter trip time from Baclaran to Balintawak (vice-versa) and increase the daily number of trips made by LRT-1 trains. The reduced travel time will allow passengers to reach their destinations in the soonest possible time. — Myla Iglesias
