Dear KTM Commuters, Here Are Some Good And Bad News For You
Which one would you like to hear first?
By Tang Ruxyn — 26 May 2016, 09:44 AM
Malaysians who frequently use the Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTMB) trains would be pleased to know that the waiting time for trains is expected to be reduced by half come 2019
KTMB's grand plan is to slash the KTM Komuter waiting time on the Klang to Kuala Lumpur route by half – from 15 minutes to 7.5 minutes.
“For the 'Metro' standard, the frequency is around 3.5 minutes, but we cannot achieve that. The maximum we can go to is 7.5 minutes,” KTMB project division general manager Ismail Said was quoted as saying by Malay Mail Online.
However, KTMB will roll out a new schedule tomorrow, 27 May, that will see longer queues for trains, with wait times expected to double or more for the next few years in order to facilitate the upgrading works
KTM Komuter passengers have been advised to take note of the train schedule, which would be revised from time to time due to the upgrading works.
The project will commence in four phases: Phase 1A includes Rawang until Simpang Batu, Phase 1B will comprise Kuala Lumpur until Simpang Pelabuhan Klang, Phase 2 (Simpang Batu - Kuala Lumpur); Phase 3 (Sentul - Simpang Batu) and Phase 4 (Simpang Pelabuhan Klang - Salak Selatan).
The lower frequency is necessary to allow for scheduled shutting down of tracks to carry out various works under the RM1.41 billion project, such as the laying of new tracks that will be easier to maintain, Ismail said.
themalaymailonline.com
Ismail added that bus services will be provided as an alternative transportation in the four-year period of upgrading works
The project is expected to be completed on 1 November 2019.
KTBM hopes that the project will not only reduce waiting time but also improve the quality of railway infrastructure and system to sustain the increased frequency of train services in Klang Valley, and ultimately to improve passengers' comfort and safety.
KTMB general manager Azshidah Shah Shahari reportedly gave the assurance that the KTM Komuter fare will not be increased after the upgrading works are completed
The public can visit KTMB's website for more updates.
Last month, hundreds of people found themselves stuck in the KTM train for at least an hour as all service routes were disrupted due to the broken rail switch:
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