LRT, MRT to offer rail tours to boost revenues

MANILA, Philippines - The Light Rail Transit Authority (LTRA) is exploring the role of rail travel in domestic tourism to augment its non-rail revenues. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the LRTA said it will launch the "rail tourism" campaign on December 12 to "integrate leisure and educational tours" on board LRT Line 1 from the Balintawak station in Caloocan City to Baclaran in Pasay City and LRT Line 2 from Santolan station in Marikina City to Recto in Manila. It would also include the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 from North Avenue in Quezon City to Taft in Pasay City. "The tour is mainly a group tour where participants will be treated to a whole new experience though rail-based adventures, featuring scenic and historic locations, Manila ’s urban skyline, and a walkthrough on the LRTA operations, showcasing the newly-installed state-of-the-art technologies on signaling and operations control," LRTA said. Tour package rates start at P70. Tours come with guides and occasional guest lecturers. LRTA Administrator Melquiades Robles said such tours would help boost the revenues of the train system. "We don't have projections yet. But more than that, it's a strategic value effect," Robles said in a phone interview. - GMANews.TV