DOST to assist in repair of LRT-1 trains

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Science and Technology-Metals Industry Research and Development Center (DOST-MIRDC) expects to start providing assistance to the LRT-1 consortium for the repair and maintenance of the aging light rail vehicles (LRVs) this month.

Light Rail Manila Corp. (LRMC), the consortium of Metro Pacific Investment Corp. (MPIC) and Ayala Corp. (AC), is currently in charge of the operation and maintenance (O&M) of the Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line 1 which runs from Baclaran in Parañaque City to the north end-station in Balintawak, Quezon City.

DOST-MIRDC and LRMC signed last April 21 a memorandum of understanding for a tieup involving the maintenance of LRT-1 trains.

DOST-MIRDC developed the award-winning hybrid electric road train (HERT) technology, as well as the brand-new hybrid electric train prototype now being used at the Philippine National Railways (PNR).

As the private operator of LRT-I, LRMC is seeking the expertise in conducting structural repairs of specific LRVs, as well as the local re-engineering and fabrication of spare parts that are already obsolete or difficult to source at the rail line.

DOST Secretary Fortunato dela Peña said the DOST-MIRDC had the technology and technical expertise to provide consultancy services to the LRMC especially in view of their expertise developed with the successful R&D on the HERT and HET.

“LRT-1 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 LRT-1 system to achieve our vision of becoming the commuter’s choice in transportation. Innovation and commitment to excellence are of our company’s core values that allowed our management to implement best practices in public transport. 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,” said Enrico Benipayo, LRMC COO.

LRMC’s 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.

“Over the past few years that the LRMC has been taking charge over the LRT-1, we noticed the determination and commitment to improve the rail system and make everything efficient and convenient, especially for the Filipino commuting public. 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 initiative to make public transportation more efficient. 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,” said DOST-MIRDC’s executive director Robert Dizon.