LRMC announces new health guidelines once LRT1 resumes operations

The Light Rail Manila Corp. (LRMC) over the weekend announced stricter coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) health and safety measures once the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT1) resumes operations.

In a statement, LRMC said it was currently working with partners to develop sanitation technologies and methods to keep the railway safe for passengers.

The guidelines were for passengers, and for sanitation and safety promotion.

Passenger guidelines:

• No mask no entry.
• Thermal screening performed upon entry of LRT-1 station. Those with a temperature greater than 37.6 C will not be allowed to enter the station.
• Physical distancing will be strictly enforced at the stations and trains, with floor markings as guidance.
• Passengers are encouraged to use stored value cards for contactless payment.
• Placement of foot bath or disinfecting mats in all LRT-1 station entrances.
• Passengers will still be requested to open their bags for verification, but LRT-1 security will be using a hand-held metal detector, and no frisking will be conducted.

Increased sanitation and safety promotion:

• Alcohol sanitizer dispensers will be available at all ticket booths, while liquid soap dispensers will be available in restrooms.
• Trains are to be disinfected upon reaching the ends of the line at Roosevelt and Baclaran stations, and deep-cleaned at the end of each day. The driver’s cab is to be cleaned before each handover.
• Commonly touched areas such as ticket booths, ticket vending machines, handrails, elevators, escalators, platform benches, and comfort rooms will be cleaned every 30 minutes.
• Safety video reminders from the Department of Health and the World Health Organization will be played on the LCD screens, while posters and signage will be displayed prominently at each station and on each train. Staff and train drivers shall remind passengers to follow physical distancing at all times.

"We look forward to serving once again our passengers who rely on the LRT-1 for their daily commute," said LRMC president and chief executive officer Juan Alfonso.

"We are committed to keeping you safe and giving you peace of mind as you ride our trains and return to your routine. Now more than ever, we appeal for your cooperation as we all face this new normal," he added.

The Department of Transportation earlier said all public utility vehicles should not exceed 50% of capacity, excluding the driver and conductor, as part of social distancing measures against the COVID-19.

As of Saturday, May 9, 2020, the Philippines recorded 10,610 confirmed cases of COVID-19. These included 1,842 recoveries and 704 deaths. — DVM, GMA News