Six new LRT trains to operate next months

2009/11/05

KUALA LUMPUR: Passenger congestion on Light Rail Transit (LRT) trains in the Klang Valley will be reduced once six new trains start operation next month, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat said.

"We are conducting tests on the trains 16 hours daily in accordance with procedures. The trains will meet the need of the increasing number of users," he told reporters after visiting Bangsar LRT station here today.

He said the trains would reduce the waiting period from three minutes to two minutes adding the actual cost of the new trains which had yet to be ascertained.

Ong who took a KTM Komuter ride from Bank Negara station to KL Sentral station to experience congestion during the 6am-9am peak period said the main challenge was to cut the Komuter waiting period from 20 minutes to 15 minutes.

"A waiting period of 20 minutes is rather long and should be reduced to only 15 minutes. This can be achieved when KTM Berhad operate new trains in 2013 but this depends on the budget to be presented to the Finance Ministry."

Ong said the ministry had to improve public transport as the number of those using the bus, LRT, Monorail and Komuter was expected to rise from 240,000 daily in 2008 to 600,000 by 2012.

"The increase will need 360,000 additional capacity daily, with 26 percent expected to use Komuter, 26 percent LRT, 5 percent Monorail and ERL.

"By 2012, we hope that public transport usage will have increased to 25 percent compared to 12 percent presently."

He said other areas that need attention were facilities for the disabled (OKU), security at stations and in trains, more signages and passenger comfort. - Bernama