LRT-1 Passengers Can Now Skip the Line Thanks to Beep Express Lanes
As long as you've got a beep card.
(SPOT.ph) The funny thing about commuting via rail is that most of the lining up happens not to enter the train, but just to get inside the station. This happens in large part due to the slow movers with Single Journey Tickets at the gates, resulting in a bottleneck that could easily be prevented.
We’re finally seeing some changes from the Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC). Not only is it cheaper to reload a beep card over purchasing a Single Journey Ticket each time, but doing so will now reward commuters with a special lane.
Beep card and QR ticket holders can now go straight to the gate from the security checks. Special lanes are currently present at the six LRT-1 stations as part of the LRMC’s pilot implementation, including Fernando Poe Jr., Balintawak, Monumento, Quirino, Libertad, and EDSA. There are signages at each station entrance for the passenger’s information.
“As LRMC gears up for the holiday peak travel, we are introducing this initiative at select LRT-1 stations to help accelerate the commute time of our passengers. Passengers can get in the QR and beep lanes to save time and energy, as well as money since beep users are enjoying discounted fares compared to using Single Journey Tickets,” LRMC Head of Operations Andrea Madrid said in a statement.
Basically, everyone else who isn’t using a Single Journey Ticket can access the special lane.
Also read: From Fernando Poe Jr. to Baclaran: Here's Your Ultimate Guide to LRT-1 Stations
Exclusive lanes at LRT-1 stations
Prior to the pilot implementation of the special lane, there is already at least one QR beep scanner found in every LRT-1 station as early as May. You'll know it's Maya's if you see a black-colored fare gate with a sign that reads “FAST LANE." These ones are strictly used for QR tickets bought from Maya.
That said, those who are sick of waiting in line to top up beep cards before entering the LRT-1 can breeze through the commute by purchasing QR tickets through the Maya app in a few steps.
The QR ticket will cost the same as the beep card fare, but there will be a P2 convenience fee for every transaction. You can also choose to reload your beep card in Maya (just take note of the account number at the back), if you’re a physical beep card loyalist.
Another option is to download the LRMC's ikotMNL app, where users can also buy QR tickets in app with more payment methods to choose from.
Also read: Everything You Need to Know About the LRT-1 Cavite Extension