LRMC, DOSRT-MIRDC ink partnership on rail tech knowledge sharing

Light Rail Manila Corp. (LRMC), the private operator of Light Rail Transit Line 1, said Friday it entered into a partnership with the Department of Science and Technology-Metals Industry Research and Development Center (DOST-MIRDC) for knowledge-sharing in an effort to create a more efficient rail system.

In a statement, LRMC said it signed a memorandum of understanding with DOST-MIRDC on April 21.

Both parties agreed to perform specific functions to achieve a common goal of sustaining the improvements in the LRT1 system.

LRMC said it is seeking the expertise of the DOST-MIRDC in conducting structural repairs of specific light rail vehicles (LRVs), as well as the local re-engineering and/or fabrication of spare parts that are already obsolete and/or difficult to source.

Being the government agency tasked to foster the advancement of metals, engineering, and allied industries in the Philippines, the DOST-MIRDC is equipped with a wide range of capabilities that may be of further assistance to the LRMC in achieving more sustainable operations of the LRT1, it said.

“LRT1 is a valuable mode of transportation for Filipinos in Metro Manila. We believe that with the expertise of our partners at DOST-MIRDC, we can continue enhancing the LRT1 system to achieve our vision of becoming the commuter’s choice in transportation,” LRMC chief operating officer Enrico Benipayo said.

“Through this partnership, we hope to bring to the table our management expertise, as well as promote Filipino ingenuity by banking on the competence of our local talents,” Benipayo said.

LRMC said its partnership with DOST-MIRDC will bring the company to a new level of understanding in terms of various diagnostics equipment and technology that are not normally acquired by railway operators.

It will provide the advantage of having an extended railway laboratory similar to other countries.

“We appreciate the LRMC for trusting and believing in the capabilities and expertise of the DOST-MIRDC. We are proud to be part of the LRMC’s initiative to make public transportation more efficient,” DOST-MIRDC executive director Robert Dizon said.

“An improved rail system will not only benefit the commuting public; it will open doors of opportunities for various industries. This partnership is also a practical way for us to bring the benefits of science, technology, and innovation to the local metals, engineering, and allied industries,” Dizon added.—LDF, GMA News