KTM Komuter frequency 7.5 mins by Sept

New trains to boost KTM Komuter service in Sept

SEREMBAN (May 12, 2011): The KTM Komuter will receive a boost this September when the first of 38 sets of six-car trains begin service to meet the growth in passenger traffic and also the addition of new routes such as Seremban-Gemas.

KTM Komuter Services General Manager Mohd Hider Yusoff said KTMB Bhd has forked out RM1.9 billion to purchase the trains.

"The first of the commuter trains of six sets with a futuristic design will arrive this year and the rest in 2012," he told reporter during a briefing on the new Seremban-Sungai Gadut commuter route which begins operations on May 14.

He said the trains will use technology from China and two engineers are now in the country to ensure all systems follow the specifications set out by KTM.

Each train set is capable of carrying about 900 passengers and this means KTM has doubled its passenger transport rate.

"We purchased the commuter from the Zelc company in China. Each commuter system can take six trains compared to three previously," he added.

He also said the additional trains would enable KTM to shorten the waiting period from 15 minutes to 10 and to only seven at peak times.

Based on KTM's long-term plan, the Seremban-Sungai Gadut route will be extended to Rembau, Tampin and Batang Melaka before ending in Gemas.

Meanwhile, on the occasion of the launch of the new route, the public are invited use the service free for seven days. — Bernama