KTMB's Commuter Service Gets A Boost (Bernama)
December 27, 2011
BATU GAJAH, Dec 27 (Bernama) -- Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) commuter service is expected to get a shot in the arm in February when four of the 38 six car sets (SCS) it purchased become operational.
Its president Dr Aminuddin Adnan said this would help overcome problems like delays and lack of coaches faced by the service, which was currently using the three-coach Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) sets.
"We currently have 25 EMU sets but half of them need to be restored. However, we cannot do so because of inadequate sets because the others are constantly in use. This often cause delays," he told reporters at the KTMB Complex here, today.
He said for the same reason (not enough sets), KTMB could also not increase the frequency of the service.
Meanwhile, Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) chairman Tan Sri Syed Hamid Albar said although KTMB was supposed to introduce the SCS sets this year, but postponed to next year in order not to compromise on safety.
He said this was because each of the train set which could accommodate 1,000 passengers needed to follow specifications, laws and international standards.
KTMB had received nine of the 38 SCS sets and four more were expected to arrive in January while the balance would be delivered in stages until June 2012, he said.
"The frequency of the service will be improved to every 10 minutes with 63 train units - 38 SCS train sets plus 25 EMUs - which will be available by June 2012," he said.
Other news:
KTMB plans to invest RM1bil in 20 more electric coaches (The Star)- link
