MNTC takes road safety seriously

MANILA, Philippines - Road safety means quality roadworks, quality drivers, roadworthy vehicles, and companies which observe safety-consciousness for their drivers and fleet operations.

These were actually the criteria used by the NLEXcellence Safety Awards of the Manila North Tollways Corp. (MNTC) in selecting bus and truck firms that practice the same values on road safety as that of NLEX.

“It is most fitting and timely to have this kind of a program that recognizes those who observe road safety practices at the NLEX starting with the bus and truck companies, especially that NLEX is now synonymous to safety, efficiency and a partner in business growth,”  said Renie U. Ticzon, MNTC vice president for Marketing.  

The NLEXcellence Safety Awards is composed of three categories: Vehicle Quality, Driver’s Professionalism and Company Operational Excellence.               

“We’ve taken care of NLEX’s safety features and its world-class road design, and we highly encourage that road users do their share in ensuring safety as well,” Ticzon said during the awards night. He added: “It is important that drivers are safety conscious and their vehicles are in tip-top shape when out on the road, not just for themselves but for other motorists as well.”

MNTC president and CEO Rodrigo E. Franco and Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. president and CEO Ramoncito S. Fernandez handed the trophies to the winning 15 firms. They were chosen from the top 50 bus and truck companies NLEX users with good, known road safety standards.

“The award is considered a testament to a company’s strengths and capabilities, the quality of its personnel, its products and services,” Franco said. “The NLEXcellence Safety Awards demonstrates how deeply we recognize safety as a shared value between the awardees and ourselves. Safety is our paramount concern, the very design of the NLEX takes into account the safety of our customers, motorists and employees.”

“We are recognizing the awardees for their conscious efforts towards road safety. We congratulate them for their contribution in making our roads, especially the NLEX, a safe one,” Ticzon added.

The 2013 awardees were led by Bataan Transit which was conferred the Hall of Fame for excelling in all three categories.

Kenneth Rol, Bataan Transit representative, said: “This award strengthens our desire to achieve our mission of providing safe, high-quality and reliable transport service in Bataan, bringing people, jobs and communities together.”

Nominees to the Vehicle Quality category were assessed based on the vehicles’ roadworthiness, specifically the condition of the vehicles’ engine, tires, brakes, lights, etc., the presence of safety devices and emergency tools, presence of required documents, as well as the vehicles’ cleanliness and the comfort of the driver and his assistant.

The NLEX has been an example of road discipline and safety in the country. Since its rehabilitation and opening in 2005, NLEX earned and enjoyed the reputation of a world-class expressway particularly in ensuring the safety and convenience of its motorists.