LRMC adds new ikotMNL app features

MANILA, Philippines — Light Rail Manila Corp. (LRMC), the private operator and maintenance provider of LRT-1, is adding more features to its ikotMNL mobile app to enhance commuting experience in Metro Manila.

LRMC said ikotMNL app, the first railway and tourism app in the country which was launched in November last year, now has a contact tracing feature and Sakay.ph navigation.

These new features of the app are set to go live this month, LRMC said.

Using the ikotMNL mobile app, LRT-1 passengers on trains and at the stations may activate the contact tracing feature via Bluetooth LE technology that allows detection of other passengers nearby.

LRMC said the contact tracing feature is automated, anonymous, and privacy-first by design.

With the integration of this feature, LRT-1 passengers who may have come into close proximity with a fellow passenger who reports or tags himself later on as diagnosed positive with COVID-19 will be notified by government authorities when the respective contact tracing procedure begins.

LRMC said this is part of initiatives to assure the public of a safe rail transport, as well as help government authorities in fighting further spread of COVID-19 by addressing the challenges of manual contact tracing and providing safe and anonymous log interactions.

Meanwhile, LRMC has also partnered with Sakay.ph for easier trip planning, faster navigation, and best commute directions in the metro.

Sakay.ph app offers transit directions in Metro Manila such as riding a jeepney, train, P2P bus, UV express, shuttle, and Pasig River Ferry, among others.