I REFER to the recent incident where two Light Rail Transit (LRT) trains collided at a station in Kuala Lumpur on Sept 24.

It would be prudent in future for a uniformed technician or security officer be present on every LRT train, as these computer-controlled trains (unlike the monorail, KTM Komuter and the KTM inter-city trains) operate without drivers.

Commuters would be gripped with fear and panic if those LRT trains were to be involved in accidents, stall between stations, or even when the doors are jammed as there is no one with authority and/or knowledgeable enough on board to help them.

The presence of a technician to handle such situations can be very reassuring.

The officer would be able to immediately alert the control centre if the train stalls between stations and prevent any collision.
In case of accidents, the technician could provide first aid to those injured, while waiting for help.

He or she could also repair faulty doors and facilitate the orderly evacuation of passengers.

Moreover, the officer could also ensure that the disabled, the elderly, pregnant women and those carrying infants are not deprived of the priority seats meant for them in the trains.

This would help nurture a caring attitude among young Malaysians towards those who need such facilities.

The signs in the trains urging the able-bodied to give up the priority seats to those they are intended for do not seem to have the desired effect.

This, despite the many years the LRT has been in operation.

There is no fear of RapidKL losing passengers due to enforcement of the priority seating ruling because LRT is still the cheapest and probably the most efficient public transportation system in the Klang Valley.