LRT-1 Christmask train reminding commuters to wear their mask and face shield properly. The train’s design is also a tribute to the frontliners who continue to serve amidst the pandemic.
MANILA, Philippines — The Light Rail Manila Corporation, the operator of Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1), on Monday launched a special train designed with a giant mask and face shield for its holiday-themed train this year.
The design, which was dubbed as “Christmask,”also serves as a reminder for commuters to observe health and safety protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
It also shows images of different frontliners from the medical field, security, and service sectors, which serves as a tribute to workers’ dedication and efforts in the face of the pandemic.
During the launch of the train, safety kits were distributed to LRT-1 passengers at the Baclaran station.
LRMC President and CEO Juan Alfonso acknowledged that while the firm always comes up with a meaningful theme seasonally, the country’s celebration of Christmas would be different this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“But even COVID cannot take away Christmas season and its meaning to all of us. We encourage everyone to celebrate safely, and may this season be more memorable to all of us in this challenging time,” he said in a statement.
“We want to express gratitude to all the frontliners in our lives, as well as uplift the spirit of the public through this unique execution,” he added.
“We also hope to reinforce the commuting public’s sense of safety by showing how LRMC continues to ensure that they always come home safely by riding the LRT-1. One way we do that is by constantly reminding people to wear masks and face shields properly on top of our existing best in class safety measures,” Alfonso further said.
Since LRT-1 resumed operations in June, when Metro Manila was placed under general community quarantine, LRMC implemented a “No Face Mask, No Face Shield, No Entry” policy.
Other measures include temperature checks with Forward Looking Infrared thermal scanners in six major LRT-1 stations; installation of disinfection mats, impermeable plastic barriers on train seats; regular chemical disinfection; and strict crowd control. [ac]