LRMC signs pact with Japan firms for LRT-1 Cavite ext

The Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC), operator of LRT-1, signed a Technical Assistance Agreement with Japanese companies Sumitomo Corporation and Hankyu Corporation on Wednesday.

Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista highlighted that this agreement is expected to attract more Japanese investors for Philippine mass transport projects as partial operations for the LRT-1 Cavite extension are set to begin in late 2024.

Under the agreement, Hankyu will provide technical support to LRMC in evaluating operations, improving processes, and training personnel for LRT-1, marking its first railway project outside Japan.

Hankyu's expertise will also be leveraged in areas such as maintenance, non-fare revenue generation, land value capturing, and urban development planning, with the aim of addressing traffic congestion in Metro Manila.

Senior Managing Director Masayoshi Uemura of Hankyu emphasized that building railway systems can help resolve traffic issues, fostering improved connectivity between individuals and communities, which is expected to stimulate economic growth.