DOTr-MRT3 to soft-launch contact tracing app on Jan. 18

The Department of Transportation-Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (DOTr-MRT3) will soft-launch a web application that eased passenger contact tracing.

In a Tuesday statement, the DOTr-MRT3 said the “MRT3 Trace” app is an upgrade of the railway’s manual contact tracing process.

The app will be soft-launched on January 18, 2021.

The contact tracing app supported the vision of Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade to digitize transaction processes, including contact tracing, in all transportation sectors to minimize the spread of COVID-19.

“MRT-3 Trace is a web application that will help us and the passengers avoid further transmission of the virus through direct contact between our commuters and personnel. It will ease the process of contact tracing, and thus, prevent long queues in stations,” MRT3 Director for Operations Michael Capati said.

According to Capati, MRT3 passengers will be given time to download the system and adapt to the new technology-based web application.

"Starting January 18, passengers may use the DOTr MRT3 Trace. But to give time for our passengers to familiarize themselves with the new app, full implementation will be in February 2021," Capati said.

To register, passengers may log at trace.dotrmrt3.gov.ph. They would need to provide basic information such as their full name, birth date, address, and contact number.

After registration, the app user should activate his/her smartphone location services.

When at the MRT3, passengers need to scan the unique quick response (QR) code located at designated areas in the station.

The user will present the verification message to the security personnel before entering the station.

All information gathered will be transmitted to the MRT3’s Data Center for security and easy tracing of individuals.

The MRT3 Trace app is compliant with Republic Act 1017 or the Data Privacy Act.

The web application is contactless and only requires a one-time registration for passengers to avoid duplicate accounts.

The MRT3 Trace registration is free, according to DOTr-MRT3.

For passengers who do not have smartphones, they can opt to manually fill-out the health declaration forms provided by security personnel at the station.

MRT3 Trace is a technology-based contact tracing web application developed by the MRT3 Support Division personnel.  It will speed up the tedious manual contact tracing process and prevent direct contact between passengers and MRT3 personnel. — DVM, GMA News