TNT’s ‘Libreng Sakay at Meryenda’ treat sa LRT is on Sept 12!

As part of its promise to bring saya to Filipinos, value mobile services brand TNT will be offering limited ‘Libreng Sakay at Meryenda’ to passengers of Light Rail Transit (LRT) 1 on Sept. 12, Monday.

 

TNT will give away a FREE one-way ticket ride at the EDSA, Carriedo, Gil Puyat, Baclaran, and Doroteo Jose stations from 8 a.m. onwards. Commuters only need to go to the TNT booth at the said station to claim their FREE ticket on a first come, first served basis.  

 

On top of that, new and current TNT subscribers will also be able to enjoy FREE snacks if they avail of a new TNT SIM pack and register to any TNT Sulit Affordaloads offers, including Pantawid 10, SurfSaya 20 and All Data 50 - three offers that suit their connectivity needs even on a tight budget. 

Tuloy Ang Saya with TNT

 

TNT’s ‘Libreng Sakay at Meryenda’ treat is part of the brand’s ongoing ‘Tuloy Ang Saya’ campaign, which aims to encourage Filipinos to keep positive despite challenging times.

 

'Sa lahat ng nangyayari ngayon, lalong kailangan natin ng mapagkukunan ng saya kahit sa simpleng paraan lang upang malagpasan ang iba't-ibang hamon sa ating buhay. That’s why, at TNT, we are committed to help Filipinos keep their saya going through programs like 'Libreng Sakay at Meryenda,’ our budget-friendly offers, and our award-winning network services,” said Lloyd R. Manaloto, FVP at Smart.

 

TNT is powered by Smart, the first and only local mobile operator to be recognized as the Philippines’ Best Mobile Network by Ookla, the global leader in mobile and broadband network intelligence. Smart clinched the prestigious recognition after it won both Fastest Mobile Network and Best Mobile Coverage based on Ookla Speedtest Analysis for Q1-Q2 2022.

 

Stay updated on #TNTuloyAngSaya offers by following TNT on Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok. 

 

Food trip at LRT-1 stations? LRMC and StrEAT Market got you covered

 

Always on the go and no time to visit food parks to enjoy a wide variety of food choices? Worry not! LRT-1 private operator Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) brings a one-stop shop to the stations for endless food possibilities as it partners with JS Pieces Prime Space Corp (StrEAT Market), the biggest Al Fresco Market operator in Manila.

With over 20 participating micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), the partnership of StrEAT Market and LRMC is certainly giving a whole new meaning to “food trip” as it will surely satisfy your cravings by just visiting LRT-1 stations to have something delicious to eat without leaving the metro.

 

The partnership kicked off with a formal launch at LRT-1 Balintawak Station that coincided with the Chinese Lunar New Year, and the start of less strict quarantine status of Alert Level 2 in Metro Manila last February 1, 2022. It was attended by representatives from LRMC and StrEAT Market making it more festive with the traditional lion dance after the ribbon cutting ceremony. For its opening promo, StrEAT Market also offered a “Buy 1 Take1” treat from 2pm to 4pm.

 

What to expect at the StrEAT Market? There are several food selections that LRT-1 passengers can choose from – Pinoy grilled favorites for the whole barkada, Korean food you’ve been craving for lately, Japanese food to enjoy with officemates, Hong Kong style pan fried noodles perfect for lovers, and bread and pastry for breakfast or snack to help you start your day deliciously. You can also relish every bite of shawarma after a busy day, skip the junk food and enjoy juicy burger, quench your thirst with fruit juices, and more.

 

Aside from enjoying delicious food, you can do some serious bargain shopping for clothes, shoes, accessories, and beauty items at the stations. StrEAT Market at LRT-1 is also here to help you find the gadgets you need for your lifestyle, and avail affordable parts and repair services of all major brands of mobile phones and laptops.

StrEAT Market kiosks are located at select LRT-1 stations: Baclaran, Blumentritt, and Balintawak. Kiosks will be at the LRT-1 from February 1 until April 30, 2022. They are open daily, from 7am to 7pm.

 

“We partnered with StrEAT Market for our passengers to have a complete commuting experience with convenience accessing their favorite food hubs and services. With all these various shops and available services open along the LRT-1 line, passengers can save a lot more time buying for what they need and what they want. This partnership also aims to further support MSMEs as they recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic by bringing them to a bigger market of opportunities,” said John Kelly F. Tan, LRMC Head of Business Development.

 

“StrEAT Market has been true to its promise of continuously providing assistance to its partner merchants to bring them to the mainstream market where more opportunity awaits,” said Rheybie C. Nipas, President of JS Pieces Prime Space Corp.

 The partnership includes perks like startup-friendly rental rates, free use of kiosks, access to marketing assistance for brand exposure online, and mentorship on operations and marketing.

 

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.

Shop, eat, and more at LRT-1!

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, orbuy 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.

New guidelines for LRT-1 passengers

Preparations are in full swing as the Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) anticipates the resumption of the LRT-1 operations. This is after the Department of Transportation (DOTr) released new safety guidelines for mass public transportation once the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) enforced in Metro Manila is lifted.

To ensure the welfare and protection of both passengers and employees, LRT-1 private operator LRMC will implement the following health and safety measures to fight the spread of COVID-19 once it re-opens its trains to the public.

Passenger guidelines

1.     No mask no entry.

2.     Thermal screening done upon entry of LRT-1 station. Those with temperature greater than 37.6˚ C will not be allowed to enter the station.

3.     Physical distancing will be strictly enforced at the stations and trains, with floor markings as guidance.

4.     Passengers are encouraged to use Stored Value Cards for contactless payment. 

5.     Placement of foot bath or disinfecting mats in all LRT-1 station entrances.

6.     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

1.     Alcohol sanitizer dispensers will be available at all ticket booths, while liquid soap dispensers will be available in restrooms.

2.     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. 

3.     Commonly touched areas such as ticket booths, ticket vending machines, handrails, elevators, escalators, platform benches, and comfort rooms will be cleaned every 30 minutes.

4.     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 in each train. Staff and train drivers shall remind passengers to follow physical distancing at all times.

As the company leverages on the use of technology, passengers are encouraged to go digital and use the ikotMNL mobile app to easily get updates and announcements, plan their trips, check the LRT-1’s schedule and crowd status at the stations ahead of time. They can also relay their COVID-19 related concerns or inquiries through this mobile app. LRMC uses an automated system in the deployment of its trains, which provides better flexibility to match passenger volume for the day and avoid crowd build-up.

LRMC is working with partners to develop innovative sanitation technologies and methods to be more efficient and effective in keeping the railway safe for passengers. In addition, LRMC is looking out for its employees by providing them with face masks, hygiene supplies, regular health checks, and modified work arrangements. 

“We look forward to serving once again our passengers who rely on the LRT-1 for their daily commute. 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,” said Juan F. Alfonso, President and CEO of LRMC.

LRT-1 operations have been suspended since March 17 as a result of the government’s extension of the enhanced community quarantine. Preventive and maintenance work for the line have been undertaken during this period in accordance with the IATF’s work safety guidelines to ensure improved service.

For more updates and info on the LRT-1, follow LRMC on Facebook at facebook.com/officialLRT1, or on Twitter at @officialLRT1.