The Light Rail Manila Corp., Sumitomo Corp., and Hankyu Corp. has inked an agreement for the technical assistance for the LRT-1 system’s operations and maintenance.
Under the agreement, Hankyu Corp. will provide technical assistance to LRMC to help evaluate LRT-1’s operations and improve its processes and personnel training.
Transportation Secretary Jaime J. Bautista described the agreement as timely as partial operations for the LRT-1 Cavite extension is set in the latter part of 2024.
“This added layer of assistance will be most helpful especially at this time when the Cavite Extension is about to start partial operations very soon,” Bautista said.
The agreement, according to the transport chief, is also expected to woo Japanese firms to invest in the Philippine mass transport systems.
“This latest partnership for LRT-1’s operations and maintenance serves as showcase to convince new Japanese investors to seriously consider Philippine mass transport projects,” he said.
Masayoshi Uemora, Hankyu Corp Senior Managing Director said constructing railway systems in the Philippines is “of vital importance to mitigate traffic congestion.”
“Railway service plays an increasingly important role in helping solve this crisis,” he said.
With over a century of railway experience, Hankyu Corp. has been operating 190 kilometers of railway lines in Japan’s Kansai region.