The Kelana Jaya LRT line will see an improvement in frequency come September 2023, transport minister Athony Loke told Dewan Rakyat today. More specifically, he revealed that 19 new sets of 4-car trains will be purchased in stages to replace the route’s now-obsolete 2-car coaches, beginning August this year until the end of 2024.
“This will increase the frequency of trains starting in September 2023,” he said. “With more frequent services, it will reduce congestion, especially during peak hours as well as reduce damage during operating hours.”
The acquisition is part of the ongoing overhaul and replacement works to rectify recurring problems with all mass rail transport systems in the Klang Valley, which is expected to be completed between 2025 and 2027 for different routes. Loke’s explanation is part of a response to Bukit Bintang-PH representative Fong Kui Lun, who asked about the government’s plans to address frequent rail system woes faced by commuters.
Other works that are in progress, the transport minister added, include a complete overhaul of train component systems on the Ampang LRT route. The upgrading process had already begun in October last year, involving all 50 trains on the line and is due completion in December 2027.
As for the Kajang MRT line, all of its 58 trains are said to be undergoing wheel replacements, which will be fully completed by January 2025. Loke noted that this step is necessary, as the wheels have reportedly reached their minimum diameter earlier than the original manufacturer’s estimated lifetime. Doing so will increase the frequency to 4 minutes as early as August 2023 for some trains, he added. Moreover, the minister also revealed that both Rapid Rail and MRT Corporation Bhd are implementing a “level 4 and 5” maintenance programme to replace outdated subsystems.
Last but not least, Loke said that two new trains are expected to be available for the KL Monorail line by March 2025, while an existing model is currently undergoing an upgrade. “This will allow a train frequency of every 5 minutes during peak hours,” he added.
(Source: The Vibes)
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