LRMC launches app to help LRT1 commuters plan their trips

Light Rail Manila Corp. (LRMC), the private operator of Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT1), on Tuesday launched a mobile application to assist commuters and tourists using Metro Manila's oldest mass railway system.

LRMC officially released the ikotMNL app in a launch event in Pasay City.

The app was a convenient one-stop information source for commuters and tourists traveling along the LRT1 route, according to LRMC.

The ikotMNL app is available for both iOS and Android devices.

The app's core features include real-time train arrivals and departures, fare information, crowd monitoring in the LRT1's 20 stations, tourist spots, safety reminders, passenger advisories, news and announcements, a chatbox for customer service assistance, and a feedback form to help improve train service and passenger experience.

"This is the first railway and tourism app in the Philippines. We constantly look for modern ways to change the way we move people and this ikotMNL app is an innovative tool to delight our passengers with a comfortable, safe, and convenient experience when riding the LRT1," said LRMC President and CEO Juan Alfonso.

The promotion of local tourism in the nation’s capital was also made easier with the help of ikotMNL, Alfonso said as detailed directions on tourist spots near LRT1 stations and information about partnered local tour operators were available for users.

“We’ve spent a considerable amount of time and effort into making the ikotMNL app the best it can be and this early, we already have more features in mind to add to the app. It is our way to keep improving it so that those who have downloaded and yet to download the ikotMNL mobile app may continue to enjoy using it," LRMC Corporate Communications head Jacqueline Gorospe said.

Future upgrade plans for the app include a partnership with beep card and QR codes for fares and tie-ups with merchants.

LRMC is a joint venture company of Metro Pacific Investments Corp.’s Metro Pacific Light Rail Corp. (MPLRC), Ayala Corp.’s AC Infrastructure Holdings Corp., and the Philippine Investment Alliance for Infrastructure’s Macquarie Infrastructure Holdings (Philippines) PTE Ltd. (MIHPL).

The company assumed operations and maintenance of LRT1 in September 2015 through a P65-billion 32-year concession agreement with the Department of Transportation and the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA). — DVM, GMA News