Train delay has become a rather convenient excuse for being late. Not surprising. The train lines in the Philippines have a pretty solid reputation for going wonky at least once (twice?) a week.
The Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) will now provide “excuse slips” for commuters who will be affected by train delays and breakdowns in the Light Rail Transit (LRT) system, reports ABS-CBN News.
According to the president of LRT’s Corporate Communications Rochelle Gamboa, the certificate will indicate the reason for the delay and it will be signed by officials of the LRT.
The catch? A complaining passenger will have to wait 2-3 days to get a certificate. Just call 8888 or tweet @officialLRT1. Make sure to remember the date, time, and stations of departure and arrival.
This practice is not entirely new. In Japan, train companies apologetically give a certificate of lateness to passengers whenever a train is delayed. A similar slip is also distributed in Germany. But then again, the trains in these countries are known for being punctual, down to the minute.
Will a similar system work in a country where passengers have no idea what time the next train will arrive? Let’s see.
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