31 August 2017, Manila, PHILIPPINES – In less than two years since work began to upgrade Manila’s oldest light rail system, LRT-1 operator Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) formally received today the certification of its management systems to global standards by international certification body TÜV Rheinland.
“This achievement sends a clear message to our employees, customers and trade partners that LRMC is committed to setting the gold standard in Philippine public transport,” LRMC President and CEO Rogelio Singson said.
LRMC, which assumed operations and maintenance of LRT-1 on September 12, 2015, is certified compliant for international standards in Quality Management Systems (ISO 9001:2015) and Environmental Management Systems (ISO 14001:2015), following a two-year companywide program to improve operational efficiencies in the 32-year old LRT-1.
LRMC’s certification makes LRT-1 the first and only railway system in the Philippines to have achieved the ISO certifications.
In a two-stage audit conducted in June and July this year, TUV Rheinland reviewed LRMC’s policies and procedures to meet business objectives, targets and programs that promote environmental protection and ensure quality delivery of LRT-1 services.
Singson added, “Since assuming management of LRT-1 in September 2015, LRMC was able to improve efficiencies and introduce innovations that resulted in increased number of trains and trips, reduced passenger waiting time, improved safety and cleanliness of the stations, increased ridership, extended operating hours, increased customer satisfaction – all unprecedented milestones in the 32-year history of Manila’s oldest light rail system.”
“The achievements of the LRMC bodes well for the Philippine Government’s program to accelerate infrastructure and contribute to inclusive growth and poverty reduction in Metro Manila through safe, efficient, reliable and comfortable journeys everyday.
ISO 9001:2015 is the international standard that specifies requirements for a quality management system (QMS). Organizations follow the standard to demonstrate the ability to consistently provide products and services that meet customer and regulatory requirements.
ISO 14001:2015 specifies the requirements for an environmental management system that an organization can use as a guide to ensure continuous improvement in its environmental performance.