View Full Version : KTM Komuter:ReKon
mrtfreak
01-08-04, 10:10 PM
its good news that they decide to build more lines. better news if they can carry it out without financial difficulties. the best news will be when they open!
its good news because the bus system is so inefficient. and the KTM Komuter (commuter lines) are quite unreliable. building more lines will give commuters more flexibilty. however, i have a feeling that the contracts will be for monorail lines... the KL monorail trains are a bit small. they need the centre carriages.... and the catchment areas for the LRT lines haven't really been tapped. for example, if STAR line D could be extended to OUG, puchong, bandar sunway or even as far as subang jaya or USJ, theere would be huge potential. building more intergrated interchanges would be better too.
imagine if you could get off the train and take the feeder bus back to the bus stop down the road. that would be so convienient. however, i don't think they will ever do that due to competition. KTM is a national company and will obviously lose out to other lines if they are faster. what they need is an internal subang system.
Wisarut
02-08-04, 02:14 PM
Khun MRT Freak,
I just wonder why Pak lah and Madhathir have not order anu EMUs from Indonesia to serve KL Kommuter and for KL Kommuter network expansion at all? Probably, the bloody feud between Malaysia and Indenosia has prevent them from doing so.
Ring line around KL vincinities would be okay ....
mrtfreak
02-08-04, 10:47 PM
khun wisarut,
i am not sure, but maybe they do not need the roling stock at the moment (highly unlikely...!). either that or indonesia needs all available rolling stock. KTM Komuter trains run on the standard gauge i think, using overhead power. to my understanding, there is no over head powered rail line in indon. i think that KTM Antarabangsa (Intercity, on peninsula, to singapore and thailand) does not need anymore engines as it is facong stiff competition from express coaches and budget airlines which are faster.
as for KTM Komuter line extensions, there are 2 extension projects going on currently. Line A runs from seremban to rawang currently. the line, to be due in 2005, will be extended from rawang terminal to ipoh station. Line B is from pelabuhan (port) klang to sentul. due in 2006, the line will continue on towards the famous batu caves from the new sentul station. there are 2 new stations being added on line A at midvalley megamall (between taman seputeh and KL sentral) and around kepong area.
i do not think it is feasible for KL to have a ring line, but more of a horse shoe shape, yeah? maybe the future line G. damansara will be a hot spot for a new rail line. there should be a transfer point between PUTRA line E and KTM lines A & B at bangsar station.
ERL (express rail link), the express train to the airport, should be extended southwards from the airport towards johor. my uncle was involved in the ERL construction project, so i got many chances to visit the contruction sites along the line. *heck, i could have driven the train!) according to him, if the ERL line were extended southwards to singapore, travel time between singapore and KL sentral would be approximately 2.5 hours. this will not be done i assume, as it will increase competition to KTM.
Wisarut
02-08-04, 11:53 PM
Khun MRT Freak,
Well, KL Kommeter is meter gauge electrified Railway .....
and the Jarkata Suburban Rail network has used EMUs locally assembled (Java used 3' 6" gauge -> 1.067 m) with overhead power supply though.
Therefore, Indonesian Railway has to covert the rollign stock to meter guage before exporting arond ASEAN.
Too bad, those Indonesian EMUs look pretty ugly ...
Now, we consider purchasing GE UM20C produced in Indonesia and pay them in rice. ... However, we have no clue about if it runs very successful or not ... The power of that loco is 2000 HP though ... too little power to be used for either passenger or freight travel ...
Now our Hitachi HID loco has power reduced to 2500 HP after changing the diesel engines ...
Hmmm .. I thought that KTMB Own KL Airport Express ...
The Star: 1st August 2004
KUALA LUMPUR: KTM Bhd will have extra commuter trains by July next year to provide more frequent trips during peak hours.
Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy said the current frequency was 15 minutes per train during peak hours and 30 minutes during the off-peak period.
KTMB plans to shorten the frequency during rush hour to 10 minutes to cater to the increasing number of commuters every day, he said.
The peak periods for the commuter service are from 6am to 10am, catering to the work-bound crowd, and from 4pm to 9pm, for the homeward journey.
The ministry would approve RM90mil for KTMB to improve its maintenance and overhaul capacity as well as to add more trains for its commuter services, Chan said at the end of his site visits to three KTM Komuter service stations in Sentul yesterday. He had earlier visited Rawang and later Seremban.
Present was KTMB managing director Mohd Salleh Abdullah.
Chan said it was crucial to improve the commuter service since it was a popular mode of transport for about 75,000 people daily.
“Since the KTM Komuter was introduced, the number of passengers had been increasing about 9% to 10% every year,” he said, adding that it was also vital to make the service a reliable and convenient mode of transport.
He said KTMB now had 38 commuter train sets and ran 34 daily with four on standby in case of emergencies.
Chan hoped that by next July, there would be an additional 10 sets of EMUs (electric multiple units) to allow KTMB to increase its frequency during rush hour.
He said KTMB was currently facing the problem of limited resources and it needed the help of experts to speed up its overhauling process.
Chan said the ministry had also approved RM10.8mil to build covered platforms at all KTMB stations. At the moment, only the KL Sentral and the Kuala Lumpur station had covered platforms.
Earlier, Chan presented Lafarge Malaysian Cement Excellence Awards to 30 students from 11 secondary schools at SMK Rawang Batu 16.
The awards were part of Lafarge Malaysian Cement’s schools project to promote academic excellence in the local community.
Originally posted by Wisarut
Hmmm .. I thought that KTMB Own KL Airport Express ...
Nope... their major shareholder are YTL (50%) followed by Tabung Haji (40%)
jpatokal
04-08-04, 09:33 PM
Originally posted by mrtfreak
ERL (express rail link), the express train to the airport, should be extended southwards from the airport towards johor. my uncle was involved in the ERL construction project, so i got many chances to visit the contruction sites along the line. *heck, i could have driven the train!) according to him, if the ERL line were extended southwards to singapore, travel time between singapore and KL sentral would be approximately 2.5 hours. this will not be done i assume, as it will increase competition to KTM.
Logically and financially a high-speed train link between KL, JB and Singapore (perhaps Melaka too?) would be pretty much a guaranteed hit, even at "only" 160 km/hr instead of a real 200+ km high speed train. At 2.5 hr from center to center, it would be much faster than flying when you figure in the commute & check-in times.
But I'm afraid that politically it will be impossible... KTMB owns its land in Singapore, a very sore point, and Singapore won't permit any Malaysian development until this is solved. Not only would the line be a major threat to KTMB, but to duopoly airlines companies MAS and SIA, who enjoy massive profits and no competition on this very lucrative sector. Air Asia makes a profit flyng JB-KL for RM49, imagine how much MAS/SIA earn from S$165 one way...!
mrtfreak
05-08-04, 05:40 PM
yes, it is a pity that it will not be built in the near future. maybe it could be extended further north? however, after KL sentral station, it would certainly be an engineering feat. there is no room for the ERL line to pass through, unless KTM gives up some of its land.
yes, ERLSB is a company on its own, and is a separate entity from KTMB.
there is much to be desired from KTMkomuter:
sheltered stations/halts
no staircases
touch n go card
shorter off peak hour waiting times
shorter travel times
maybe what they could implement is odd train being an express train that takes only passengers from the stations. normal service trains would serve all stations and halts. that would surely reult in less waiting time. hopefully, the trains don't get jammed behind a non express train.
mrtfreak
15-09-04, 05:57 PM
currently, there is a carpark separating the two stations. over political issues, the owner wanted the monorail commuters to pass through the shopping mall... (greaaaaaat! now we have to soak our feet when it rains...) although i would prefer they build another monorail line from the other end of current KL Sentral monorails station. possible line:
KL Sentral (transfer to PUTRA E, KTM A, KTM B, ERL ekxpress, ERL transit, KL MONORAIL F, KTM intercity)
Syed Putra
Megamall (Midvalley)
Pantai Dalam
Klang Lama
Taman Desa
OUG (transfer to STAR D)
Puchong (Transfer to STAR D)
Bandar Sunway (link to suntrek 2000)
PJS
USJ (if possible, future PUTRA G)
what i mean is extend KL Sentral platform so it is 1 station, but two lines at different ends.
===========PLATFORM==========
future line MONORAIL F LINE
===========PLATFORM==========
^KL Sentral monorail station
Last two LRT firms accept Touch ‘n Go
BY LEONG SHEN-LI
PETALING JAYA: The long-awaited “common ticket” for all rail-based public transport in the Klang Valley will become reality with the last two operators agreeing to accept Touch 'n Go cards for fare payment.
The operators of KL Monorail (KL Monorail System Sdn Bhd) and KLIA Ekspres (Express Rail Link Sdn Bhd) have agreed to use the card along with KTM Komuter (KTM Bhd), Putra LRT and Star LRT (both operated by Rapid KL).
KL Monorail said commuters would be able to use the cards at their stations from August, while ERL has resumed testing the card readers at KL Sentral for implementation “in the near future.”
This development follows a front-page report in The Star on April 22 which said that RM10mil worth of Touch 'n Go equipment installed at KTM Komuter, monorail and ERL stations had been lying idle for more than one-and-a-half years.
This was because Touch 'n Go operator Rangkaian Segar Sdn Bhd and the five operators could not agree on the commission rate.
Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy responded to the article by saying he no longer wanted to listen to excuses as to why there was a delay in the implementation of the Touch 'n Go card as a common ticket.
KTM Komuter began using the card on July 1.
Prior to that, only Putra LRT accepted the card.
Star LRT adopted the system last year after it came under the same management as Putra LRT.
Sources said The Star's report and subsequent statements from Chan prompted the parties to arrive at “an agreed commission rate” that was “in between what the two sides wanted”.
With the KL Monorail and ERL accepting the card, buses remain the only mode of public transport in the Klang Valley yet to accept the card for fare payment.
News update by The Star News Desk
KUALA LUMPUR: Work on the long-awaited KTM Komuter extension from Sentul to Batu Caves will finally begin early next year, with completion scheduled for 2008.
Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy said the Government would proceed with the RM400mil project to enhance the public transport network in the Klang Valley.
"The Government has decided to proceed with the extension and when completed, it should add another 10,000 passengers to KTM Komuter's current 81,000 users," he said in a press conference Tuesday after a ceremony at KL Sentral to mark the start of the use of the Touch 'N Go farecard by the KTM Komuter system.
The 7.2km extension from Sentul to Batu Caves — which involves the building of a second track, stations, electrification and signalling systems — was announced in 1998 but was postponed numerous times.
The line will have four stations — Batu Cantonment, Batu Village, Taman Wahyu and Batu Caves.
The 153km KTM Komuter service consists of two lines — Sentul-Port Klang and Seremban-Rawang, which intersect at Kuala Lumpur.
mrtfreak
14-07-05, 03:19 AM
SO with this extension, it means the Sentul-Pelabuhan Klang and Rawang-Seremban lines will be replaced by Line A Ipoh-Seremban and Line B Batu Caves-Pelabuhan Klang? What would be the total mileage covered when the new extensions are in operation?
mrtfreak
14-07-05, 03:22 AM
Is this a system-wide card payment scheme for putra, star and komuter? As in, any station along these lines has touch and go facilities? Or only selected stops? I know all of putra's 23 stations have touch and go facilities.
jpatokal
14-07-05, 10:38 AM
SO with this extension, it means the Sentul-Pelabuhan Klang and Rawang-Seremban lines will be replaced by Line A Ipoh-Seremban and Line B Batu Caves-Pelabuhan Klang? What would be the total mileage covered when the new extensions are in operation?
The new KTM Komuter stretch from Rawang will terminate at Tanjung Malim (the last station in Selangor), only Intercity trains will continue onto Ipoh.
But other than that yes, you are mostly likely correct. Here (http://www.ktmb.com.my/article.cfm?id=423)'s a little map of the Batu Caves extension and a short article (http://www.ktmb.com.my/article.cfm?id=47) about it.
mrtfreak
15-07-05, 11:12 AM
The new KTM Komuter stretch from Rawang will terminate at Tanjung Malim (the last station in Selangor), only Intercity trains will continue onto Ipoh.
But other than that yes, you are mostly likely correct. Here (http://www.ktmb.com.my/article.cfm?id=423)'s a little map of the Batu Caves extension and a short article (http://www.ktmb.com.my/article.cfm?id=47) about it.
Oh, okay. I wonder why they're limiting the Komuter services to Selangor only. :?
jpatokal
15-07-05, 08:25 PM
Oh, okay. I wonder why they're limiting the Komuter services to Selangor only. :?
It would hardly be a commuter service if it runs for the full 200 km! Sentral to Tanjung Malim is already almost 90 km. Probably the state line was just a convenient place to stop it, no need to negotiate with Kedah...
mrtfreak
15-07-05, 09:13 PM
It would hardly be a commuter service if it runs for the full 200 km! Sentral to Tanjung Malim is already almost 90 km. Probably the state line was just a convenient place to stop it, no need to negotiate with Kedah...
I guess I mean, why not let each state have their own Komuter services. I think JB could do with a Komuter service. Ipoh-residents don't commute to KL on a daily basis, which is why they're stopping at Tanjong malim I guess.
jpatokal
13-11-05, 10:54 AM
KTM Komuter:
Trains are being upgraded and yes, the waiting time is slowly coming down. A big improvement from 30 minutes previously. However, they need to work on co-ordinating between travel information and actual train arrival. Currently, the passenger information displays at the stations (blue LCD boxes) state the time the train should arrive according to the time table They should change this to the actual time of train arrival. It can be quite confusing when a Seremban bound train is due at 1330 and a Pel Klang train arrives at 1331 instead of the Seremban one.
I remember once arriving at KL from Singapore very early on a Sat morning and watching, puzzled, as the displays showed and spoken voices announced train after train coming in and departing -- while all platforms stayed eerily empty. Only a look at the printed schedule solved the mystery; the display systems don't understand that some trains don't run on weekends... :(
Incidentally, I've had the same thing once on KLIA Transit when the train was delayed. <bing-bong> "A train will be arriving in two minutes. Please stand behind the yellow line." <bing-bong> "A train has arrived. Please allow passengers to disembark before boarding." <bing-bong> "Doors closing!" All this without any train on the platform, that is. Rather surreal...
But last week, when some Ekspres services were turned in Transits because of track maintenance, the announcements were in sync with altered reality.
KLIA Ekspres & Transit:
Okay, I will try as much to be unbiased as I can about this. ;)
I think its a good line to have since KLIA is rather far away. They do need to expand the number of airlines that do allow CIty check-ins though. Currently, I think its limited to Malaysian Airlines, Brunei Airlines and Cathay Pacific. If others like SIA do hop on the bandwagon, it would appeal to more customers.
Also, what happened to the plan to allow people to ship baggage from the airport to KL Sentral? From the PUTRA station, you can see the baggage claim area, slowly piling up dust...
jpatokal
07-12-06, 10:43 AM
"Work to begin by next year", they said -- and for once they made it (http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2006/11/18/central/16049151&sec=central
)! (Just.)
THE much-awaited Sentul-Batu Caves extension of the KTM Komuter system will be completed by May 2009.
KTM Bhd managing director Datuk Mohd Salleh Abdullah said the project site was handed over to contractor YTL Corporation Bhd last Friday.
“The time for completion is 30 months from the date of site possession,” he said after KTMB's Hari Raya open house at its workshop in Sentul on Thursday.
The extension, which will cost RM515mil, will enable the Port Klang-Sentul commuter train service to be extended another 7.2km to Batu Caves.
New stations will be constructed at Sentul, Batu Cantonment, Batu Village, Taman Wahyu and Batu Caves.
Note that Sentul is not a new station, just the current terminus, so the number of stations is unchanged.
Abdullah Announces Two Projects To Spur Kinta Valley Development
IPOH, June 29 (Bernama) -- Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi announced today that the government will upgrade the Sultan Azlan Shah Airport here http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showthread.php?p=15532#post15532 and establish a commuter train service between Ipoh and Penang.
The prime minister said the two projects would spur development in the Kinta Valley.
.........
However, he did not say when the projects would start.
...........
On the proposed commuter train between Ipoh and Penang, Abdullah said the service was needed in line with the rapid growth seen in Perak and the northern region comprising places like Penang, Seberang Perai and Sungai Petani in Kedah.
He said the commuter service would address traffic congestion and facilitate the movement of people between the states involved.
..........
-- BERNAMA
http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=270420
Work on Ipoh-Penang commuter train service may begin next year
By MANJIT KAUR
KUALA LUMPUR: If all negotiations go well, works on the commuter train service between Ipoh and Penang will start early next year.
Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy said currently the government was in the midst of discussing with the contractor involved on the matter.
He said they were waiting for a technical proposal or plan from the contractor.
"We hope the negotiations can be concluded before year end, so that work can begin early next year.
"We are not sure about the cost yet, as the ministry, the Finance Ministry and the Economic Planning Unit (EPU) have to decide on the matter collectively,'' he told reporters at Wisma MCA here on Saturday, after announcing on a cultural and dinner event to be held in-conjunction with the country's 50th anniversary in October.
Chan was asked to comment on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's announcement on Friday that travellers could look forward to a bigger airport in Ipoh and a fast commuter train service from Penang.
Abdullah had said that the train service could be expanded later to other northern destinations like Sungai Petani.
When asked how long will it take for the project to be completed, Chan said overall, including the double-tracking project from Ipoh to Padang Besar, the service was expected to start in five years time.
"I am happy with the announcements made by the Prime Minister as this will bring a positive impact to the development in Kinta valley,'' he added.
..........
http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/6/30/business/20070630150359&sec=business
See also thread on KL's mass transit railways:
http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showthread.php?t=2675
Also thread on KL's monorail:
http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showthread.php?t=2765
http://thestar.com.my/archives/2007/9/27/central/m_pg06komuter.jpg
[Photo: http://thestar.com.my - Popular mode of transport: A total of 34.97 million passengers used the service last year.]
http://www.nst.com.my/Friday/Letters/20071005085036/insidepix1
[Photo: New Straits Times - Poor ticketing, inaccurate schedules, delays, overloading and old trains lacking maintenance are common problems with KTM Komuter.]
September 25, 2007 09:57 AM
Commuter Train Passengers Hope To See Better Days Ahead
A Special Report By Syed Azwan Syed Ali
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 25 (Bernama) -- In 1995, the commuter train service was introduced in the Klang Valley and it attracted 2.81 million passengers in its inaugural year.
The commuter train has been well received ever since by the public with the passenger load recording a remarkable increase of 293.8 percent or 11.09 million passengers a year later (1996). And the figure in the following years recorded a consistent year-to-year growth.
The commuter service was once seen as a benchmark of the nation's public transportation nexus in line with the nation's aspiration to emerge as a developed nation by 2020.
The commuter train was seen as a viable alternative public transport along with taxis, buses, LRT and monorail to get from place to place in the Klang Valley.
Now, after 12 years, statistics provided by Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB), the railway corporation that operates the commuter train service, indicate 34.97 million passengers used the trains last year. This is a commendable figure because the people in the Klang Valley are spoilt for choice with the many public transportation modes available.
The commuter train service in fact extends to Seremban, Port Klang and Rawang.
COMMUTER SERVICE ON THE DECLINE
Nevertheless, over the years, the commuter service has been marred by trains breaking down more than often and failing to keep up with schedule and this to some extend had eroded the public confidence on this service.
"I'm disappointed the commuter service is no longer what it used to be and now commuters like me are in a dilemma, yet we still have to use the commuter service as we have no choice," said a commuter passenger, Mehtar Abdul Hamid when met by Bernama at the Seremban Commuter Station, recently.
The writer's watch indicated 6.40 am, but hundreds of people from Seremban including Mehtar, 49, have boarded the commuter train heading to the capital city, that left the station five minutes later.
"I have been depending on the commuter service since the last four years but the situation remains the same, the trains still fail to keep up with the schedule. The same goes to the commuter express service.
"At times the train is there, at times not there. This causes anxiety," he said looking worried while waiting for the commuter train.
Mehtar is one of the more than 4,000 Seremban residents who depend on the commuter train to commute daily between Seremban and Kuala Lumpur.
AVOID CONGESTION
Mehtar said he opted for the commuter to avoid the congested roads and cut traveling cost.
"The rise in the standard of living and the cost factor also plays a role. If I take my car, I have to spend RM40 daily for fuel, toll and parking charges but with the commuter service I only need to fork out RM6," he said pointing at the figure stated on the commuter ticket for a one-way journey from Seremban to KL Sentral.
A survey conducted by BERNAMA since a year ago revealed that KTM has made improvements on the infrastructure like extending the canopy at almost all the 45 commuter stations, other than facilities for the disabled and the installation of CCTV at several main commuter stations.
However, the commuters are of the opinion that there is still room for improvement especially in keeping up with the schedule. Delays during peak period create packed coaches.
STEPS MUST BE TAKEN
Alvin Fan from Kuala Lumpur in his email to Bernama mentioned that there was not much changes though the government has announced several steps to enhance the quality of commuter train service.
"I am disappointed that till today KTM is left out in the equation and we are talking about getting more people to change their mind to use public transport instead. I hope to see serious government intervention to improve this area.
"It is not the beautiful buildings and transport structure we built that we will be remembered. But the service offered! The comfort for passengers is what matters," he said.
The Fellow with Malaysian Institute of Transportation (MITRANS) Shahrin Nasir said any public transportation system depends on two factors - reliability and safety.
"The two factors will return public confidence on public transportation," he said.
MORE EXPECTED TO USE COMMUTER
Since the hike of 30 sen per liter in petrol prices February last year, the public have been encouraged to use public transport.
Now, more than 450,000 people use the commuter, LRT and Monorail daily in Klang Valley.
Industry analysts consider several factors including the rise in prices of necessities since the salary revision for public servants in July being the reason why more and more people opt for the public transport.
Welcoming the RM12 billion allocation to enhance the quality of public transportation in Kuala Lumpur and Penang announced during the 2008 Budget, many are of the opinion that the government should help KTMB in improving the commuter service, which is part of the transportation nexus in the Klang Valley.
-- BERNAMA
Not possible to bring you the exact link:
http://www.bernama.com.my/
Letter to New Straits Times Ed:
Public transportation: Komuter service falls short
By : MARIA HARIS, Kuala Lumpur
Poor ticketing, inaccurate schedules, delays, overloading and old trains lacking maintenance are common problems with KTM Komuter.
I HAD an unpleasant train ride with KTM Bhd on a recent Saturday afternoon.
I took the KTM Komuter from Seputeh to Seremban and the journey lasted one hour 15 minutes.
At the Seputeh station, the simple procedure of buying a train ticket turned into a hassle as the sole ticketing counter was closed and I was forced to use the machine-operated ticketing system. The ticketing counter had been closed since the beginning of Ramadan.
When I checked the train schedule, I was disappointed as the time shown on the board did not reflect the time the train actually arrived.
Why bother having the board when the time shown is inaccurate?
On board, the situation was made even worse. The train was full and the air-conditioning was not working.
Poor ticketing, inaccurate train schedules, delays, overloading, old trains lacking maintenance: these are only minor grouses highlighted.
It’s high time KTM woke up and rectified the problems.
http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Friday/Letters/20071005085036/Article/index_html
http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Wednesday/Letters/2088857/Article/index_html
This is a reader article in The New Straits Times, which carries many such 'Letters to the Editor' about the parlous state of the commuter service:
Komuter service: The sardines approach is not the right one
By : SAMUEL YESUIAH, Seremban
http://www.nst.com.my/Wednesday/Letters/2088857/insidepix1
[Photo: NST - Sardine-packed coaches like this on KTM Komuter are a cause of constant complaints among commuters.]
IT is true that the KTM Komuter service is getting worse ("It's getting worse by the day" - NST, Nov 16).
The service is hugely popular with the people because it helps people get to Kuala Lumpur.
It offers a cheap and convenient mode of travel for many.
Unfortunately, many complaints have been raised about the service and KTM has not acted on rectifying these problems.
Trains not arriving according to the schedule displayed on the electronic boards are the target of most complaints.
KTM needs to add more coaches and increase frequency of services during peak periods and holidays at important stations like KL Sentral, MidValley, Serdang and Kajang.
This is to prevent overcrowding and trains arriving packed to the brim.
The frequent breakdown of the air-conditioning in the trains should also be looked into. Maybe there is an in-built automatic shutdown of the air-conditioning when the passenger capacity is breached.
On two occasions, during the holiday season, the air-conditioning broke down on the Seremban-Rawang route.
The coach was packed and there was hardly any standing room, but passengers still shoved and made their way into the coaches.
When the air-conditioning broke down, passengers had to endure a hot, stuffy journey because of the air-tight compartments and windows that could not be opened.
KTM officials should be stationed at strategic stations to supervise the queues.
The officials should also direct the people to move into the aisle of the train where passengers are seated so as to facilitate, and not block, passengers getting into and off the train.
For the safety and comfort of passengers, the officials should also ensure the trains are not packed to the brim.
http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Wednesday/Letters/2088857/Article/index_html
See also previous post in this thread:
400 trapped inside stalled train
KUALA LUMPUR: More than 400 passengers were trapped for 30 minutes in a KTM Komuter train yesterday following an internal power failure.
The train stalled between the Bank Negara and Putra stations.
Some passengers used their phones to call for help and minutes later, firemen and Civil Defence personnel arrived at the scene.
Sentul Fire and Rescue station operations chief Zaini Saleh said they received a distress call at 7.35pm.
"Nobody was injured except for two women passengers who experienced breathing difficulties and were taken to the Kuala Lumpur Hospital."
http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Saturday/National/2092542/Article/index_html
The following map may help readers to better visualize the Komuter network within the overall national network. Thanks to an alert on this map from Yappofloyd (on this site) and Nazrey on
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=149824&page=9
The following map doesn't show some of the freight lines [Well, it is an 'Intercity & Commuter' map!]. These include the Tampines to Port Dickson refinery line, the Kuantan to Kerteh line (http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showthread.php?t=1231) (run in conjunction with the petrochemical industry) and the Johore Baru to Tanjong Pelepas Port line.
I also note that the Batu Caves line is shown as part of the commuter network, but with a note that two of its stations are not official commuter stations. This line is currently being upgraded with double tracks, electrification and new stations, so that status will probably be changed:
http://www.keretapi.com/grafix/jpeg/railway_map.jpg
Thread on KTM Intercity:
http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showthread.php?t=2318
Wisarut
06-01-08, 11:19 PM
The following map may help readers to better visualize the Komuter network within the overall national network. Thanks to an alert on this map from Yappofloyd (on this site) and Nazrey on
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=149824&page=9
The following map doesn't show some of the freight lines [Well, it is an 'Intercity & Commuter' map!]. These include the Tampines to Port Dickson refinery line, the Kuantan to Kerteh line (http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showthread.php?t=1231) (run in conjunction with the petrochemical industry) and the Johore Baru to Tanjong Pelepas Port line.
I also note that the Batu Caves line is shown as part of the commuter network, but with a note that two of its stations are not official commuter stations. This line is currently being upgraded with double tracks, electrification and new stations, so that status will probably be changed:
http://www.keretapi.com/grafix/jpeg/railway_map.jpg
Thread on KTM Intercity:
http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showthread.php?t=2318
Now, Rawang - Ipoh section has been double tracked and electrified - so Express Rakyat has the torignal terminal at Butterworth resumed on 15 Jan 2008 ...
SRT better rehab the track from Thung SOng to Hat Yai so it is possible to catch Express Rakyat to make a smooth connection and all Bangkokians to take a ride to SIngapore without haing to stay at Penang/KL at Night
Brainstorming for plan to tackle traffic jams
By : V. Vasudevan and Minderjeet Kaur
KUALA LUMPUR: A master plan for an integrated transport system is needed for the Klang Valley, the deputy prime minister said.
Datuk Seri Najib Razak said current public transport arrangements in the capital and surrounding areas were inadequate, prompting people to buy cars.
"In developed countries, 60 per cent of city dwellers use the public transport system. But here, we hardly have 20 per cent using public transport," he said at a retreat by the Federal Terrritories Ministry to find ways to improve traffic flow in the Klang Valley.
Some 200,000 private vehicles enter the city daily, of which 60 per cent are single occupancy vehicles -- the biggest factor causing bottlenecks at traffic hot spots in the city centre.
The areas classified as hot spots by City Hall include Jalan Kuching, Jalan Raja Laut and Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman.
Recommendations to alleviate congestion include expanding the Light Rail Transit System from Kelana Jaya to Puchong and to the Damansara area, and introducing a levy for single occupancy vehicles entering the city during peak hours.
Proposals also include improving bus services and linking public buildings with covered walkways to the stations.
Yesterday, Najib said the measures would be studied during the retreat.
"Whatever recommendations made here will be tabled at the Cabinet Committee on Public Transport which will then take further action," he said. Najib chairs the committee.
Earlier during a speech, Najib said a comprehensive master plan would be the single point of reference for everyone involved in managing public transport.
He said measures had been taken, including building outer and inner ring roads, but the impact of these steps was limited.
Najib said cheaper cars had also contributed to congestion in the city.
He suggested that the authorities introduce traffic management measures using information technology.
"This includes navigation and tracking services for motorists and public transport operators. It can also be used to collect data on traffic patterns and where most vehicles head to in the city."
Najib said information technology would help authorities pinpoint the main reasons for traffic jams and provide real-time analysis on them.
He commended City Hall for introducing the Integrated Transport Information System (ITIS), which has helped motorists navigate the city during peak hours.
ITIS is a series of electronic display panels put up at strategic locations in the city, which continuously displays traffic information to motorists.
Meanwhile, Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Zulhasnan Rafique said during his speech that the use of public transport in the city had dropped from 34 per cent to 20 per cent.
"This is the reason why there are bottlenecks and hot spots in many locations," he said, referring to the increased number of single occupancy vehicles.
http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Tuesday/National/2132644/Article/index_html
http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=271825
Malaysian newspapers are every bit as clueless as their Thai counterparts when it comes to railway reports. What the hell does this mean? Tanjung Malim is on the route from KL to Ipoh, and the KL to Ipoh track-doubling is supposedly complete. One imagines that the reporter is TRYING to talk about new 'electrified' services to Tanjung Malim - that the electrification of the double-track will reach TM in June, and that some Komuter services will then run North of their current Rawang terminal. I have placed a map under the report to help make it a bit more intelligible:
January 17, 2008 20:11 PM
Double Track Extension To Tanjung Malim To Be Completed By June
HULU SELANGOR, Jan 17 (Bernama) -- Extension of the double railway tracking to Tanjung Malim is expected to be completed by June this year, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy said today.
"The extension of services to Tanjung Malim is based on high number of requests from the residents," he said after launching Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTM)'s Rawang-Ipoh electrified double-tracking project here.
Chan said the infrastructure of the double-tracking project should be looked after carefully and not abused due to high cost in providing the first-class amenities.
He said from 2000 to 2007, the government had incurred losses of RM19.8 million due to the theft of cables in the project area.
On another matter, Chan said the government had agreed to the purchase of six new train sets for use by KTM on the Kuala Lumpur-Ipoh fast train service.
"We need to wait for another 18 months to two years for the new sets to be ready," he said.
It is understood that the new service will be two hours 15 minutes as the train needs to stop at several stations along the route such as in Tanjung Malim, Slim River, Tapah, Kampar and Batu Gajah.
-- BERNAMA
http://www.bernama.com.my/
http://img01.picoodle.com/img/img01/9/9/2/f_01m_925daca.jpg
I believe I am correct in saying that the Batu Caves branchline is currently being double-tracked & electrified with additional stations to make a full-blown KTMB Komuter line:
Extra train services for Thaipusam
KUALA LUMPUR: Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTM) will provide special train services in conjunction with Thaipusam on Wednesday.
KTM says the 127 special train services will be between Sentul and Batu Caves from Tuesday to Thursday.
For the full timetable of train services, go to www.ktmb.com.my.
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/1/19/nation/20080119124059&sec=nation
Malaysian newspapers are every bit as clueless as their Thai counterparts when it comes to railway reports. What the hell does this mean? Tanjung Malim is on the route from KL to Ipoh, and the KL to Ipoh track-doubling is supposedly complete. One imagines that the reporter is TRYING to talk about new 'electrified' services to Tanjung Malim - that the electrification of the double-track will reach TM in June, and that some Komuter services will then run North of their current Rawang terminal. I have placed a map under the report to help make it a bit more intelligible:
http://www.bernama.com.my/
http://img01.picoodle.com/img/img01/9/9/2/f_01m_925daca.jpg
This report does seem to make the previous one a bit clearer. This report seems to indicate the inauguration of overhead cable to provide an electrified KTMB electrified Komuter service to Tanjung Malim to KL via Rawang:
Friday January 18, 2008
Malaysia to head regional rail project
KUALA KUBU BARU: Malaysia will chair the Singapore-Kunming Rail Link project, said Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy.
He said member countries had, during a recent Special Working Group meeting of the project held in Singapore, proposed that Malaysia be appointed as the chair. The Cabinet accepted the proposal two weeks ago.
Chan said member countries were supposed to hold the position on a rotation basis, but since Malaysia had shown such commitment and leadership to the project, it was decided otherwise.
“After hard work and planning for about 10 years, the project is finally taking off, with China aggressively building its Kunming stretches to be linked up to the Vietnamese network system that will be extended to Myanmar soon.
“Cambodia and Myanmar are expected to build the first missing link by the first quarter of the year from the Thailand-Cambodian border town of Poipet to Sisophon in Cambodia.
“Cambodia will be laying the track donated by Malaysia to link both towns,” he told reporters after a ceremony marking the completion of system works for the double-tracking project by Mitsui & Co and Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTMB) for the Rawang-Ipoh stretch, at the KTMB station in Rasa near here yesterday.
[Mod:See map above for the location of stations at Rasa and Kuala Kubu Baru, a little over halfway to Tanjung Malim.]
He said that since the systems were in place, the commuter service would be extended to Tanjung Malim by the middle of the year, and that the Kuala Lumpur-Ipoh track using fast trains should be operational in between 18 months and two years, when the six electrical multiple unit coaches arrive.
In a related development, Chan said the support and co-operation of the four northern states were needed to ensure the smooth implementation of the Ipoh-Padang Besar electrified double-tracking project, especially in settling squatter problems.
“There are roughly about 3,000 squatters along the 329km stretch,” he said.
Later, KTMB managing director Datuk Mohd Salleh Abdullah told reporters that once the KL-Ipoh fast train services were operational, it might cost about 50% to 100% more compared to the current price of RM20 for a second-class ticket for the normal train services plying the route.
http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/1/18/nation/20046675&sec=nation
I believe I am correct in saying that the Batu Caves branchline is currently being double-tracked & electrified with additional stations to make a full-blown KTMB Komuter line:
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/1/19/nation/20080119124059&sec=nation
Special Train Services For Thaipusam Festival 2008
To coincide with the Thaipusam celebration which falls on 22 January 2008, KTM Berhad have provided 127 special train services to cater passengers from Sentral KL to Sentul and Batu Caves which commence its service on 22 January 2008 to 24 January 2008...
Tickets for the single journey can be purchase at RM2.20 for adults and RM1.00 for children at Sentul, Batu Village and Batu Caves Station.
In addition to the Thaipusam special train services, KTMB Berhad has also arranged 72 additional KTM Komuter service. This service will commence after the normal hours from 22 January 2008 to 24 January 2008.
For the Rawang – Sentral KL – Rawang sector, sixteen (16) KTM Komuter trains will be on service with the last train from Rawang to Sentral KL will depart at 1.25 am and the last train from Sentral KL to Rawang will depart at 4.16 am with a 60 minutes frequency.
For the Seremban – Sentul – Seremban sector, twenty-eight (2Cool extra train services will be provided with the last train from Seremban to Sentul will depart at 1.00 am and the last train from Sentul to Seremban will depart at 4.00 am with a 30 minutes frequency.
For the Sentul – Pelabuhan Klang - Sentul sector, twenty-eight (2Cool extra train services will be provided with the last train from Sentul to Pelabuhan Klang will depart at 1.00 am and the last train from Sentul to Seremban will depart at 4.00 am with a 30 minutes frequency.
Public are advised to purchase the special Thaipusam Integrated ticket (two-way ticket for KTM Komuter and special train to Batu Caves) from any KTM Komuter counter or a two-way ticket to avoid long queues at the ticketing counter for the return journey.
Please follow instructions issued by officers present and observe all safety regulations.
For more information please contact our Call Centre at 03-2267 1200.
Issued by Corporate Communications, Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad
Date 18 January 2008
http://www.ktmb.com.my/
http://www.ktmrailwayfan.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2761&highlight=
This line originally went a short distance off the mainline to a coalmining district. The trackbed is still there, but more than two years later, nothing has been done:
The Star 11th October 2005
RESIDENTS of Bandar Tasik Puteri near Rawang will get a on-stop feeder bus between the township and Kuang KTM Komuter station if current discussions between the developer AP Land Bhd and KTM Bhd is successful.
Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy said the feeder bus would use part of KTM's old Kuang-Batu Arang railway right-of-way which was now abandoned.
The right-of-way, which no longer has a track, will be turned into a road to enable the feeder bus to run directly between the town-ship and Kuang.
"With the service, travelling to Kuala Lumpur will be very easy as residents can use the KTM Komuter service from Kuang station," he said after a ceremony to hand over certificates of fitness for occupancy for 270 units of low medium-cost apartments recently.
http://www.ktmrailwayfan.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=812&highlight=
February 15, 2008 19:54 PM
Plans For Seremban's Railway Station
SEREMBAN, Feb 15 (Bernama) -- The state government of Negeri Sembilan is planning to develop the railway station in Seremban along the concept of the KL Sentral in Kuala Lumpur, Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said.
Malaysian Resources Corporation Bhd (MRCB), which developed the KL Sentral, is expected to carry out the proposed project.
"The proposal on the project will be presented to the Federal Government for approval as the area is owned by Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTMB)," he told reporters after a ceremony for the handing over of keys to owners of 44 new terrace industrial units at the Senawang Sentral Business Park here, Friday.
The Senawang Sentral Business Park which was developed by MRCB on a 9.2 hectare area here, also has double-storey shop lots and semi-detached industrial units.
Mohamad said plans for the Seremban station which covers 40 hectares of land include a hotel, convention centre, business centre, offices and other facilities.
"I hope MRCB will present its proposal as fast as possible and the state government will support the project. It is in line with our desire to see the area developed," he said.
BERNAMA
http://www.bernama.com.my/
KTM Komuter Contributes Towards The Success Of 10th Edition Petronas Malaysia Grand Prix (F1)
KTM Berhad has taken several efforts to help ensure the success of the F1 race to be held from March 21 to 23, 2008 at Sepang International Circuit (SIC).
During this F1 race, KTM Komuter will be teaming up with Sepang Omnibus Sdn Bhd (Sepang) to provide special package ticket to SIC. The return package ticket will be eligible for rail journey to Nilai KTM Komuter Station using the KTM Komuter, and for the bus connection via Sepang Omnibus. These tickets have been on sale since March 10, 2008.
The joint-service by KTM Komuter and Sepang Omnibus is an effort to support the national event, Formula 1 race as well as to encourage members of the public to use public transportation to the race venue.
The special package ticket can be purchased at the following stations:
1. Sentral Kuala Lumpur
2. Kuala Lumpur
3. MidValley
4. Rawang
5. Sungai Buloh
6. Kepong Sentral
7. Salak Selatan
8. Bandar Tasek Selatan
9. Serdang
10. Kajang
11. Seremban
12. Subang Jaya
13. Shah Alam
14. Klang
15. Sentul
From March 21 – 23, 2008, the KTM Komuter frequency will be as follows:
March 21
(Friday)
15-minute frequency
from 6:00am – 10:00am
from 4:00pm – 8:00pm
20-minute frequency
from 10:00am – 4:00am
from 8:00pm – 12.00midnight
March 22
(Saturday)
15-minute frequency
from 6:00am – 8:00pm
20-minute frequency
from 8:00pm – 12:00midnight
March 23
(Sunday)
15-minute frequency
from 10:00am – 8:00pm
20-minute frequency
from 6:00am – 10:00am
from 8:00pm – 12:00midnight
Meanwhile, Sepang Omnibus will be operating at a 30-minute frequency between the Nilai KTM Komuter Station and SIC.
For more information, please contact KTMB Call Centre at 03-22671200.
http://www.ktmb.com.my/
See also thread on services to the F1 on KLIA's Electric Raillink:
http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showthread.php?t=3146
April 17, 2008 16:55 PM
Proposal For Outer Ring Railway Service Being Considered
KUALA LUMPUR, April 17 (Bernama) -- Transport Minister Datuk Ong Tee Keat said the government is currently considering Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTMB)'s proposal for an outer ring railway service, which was re-submitted before the new Cabinet was formed this year.
The idea which was mooted in 2004 to ease the traffic congestion in Klang Valley, is being pushed by KTMB again for the Ninth Malaysia Plan mid term review.
"This is one project KTMB has been pushing on progressively. The proposed tracks are expected to be linked to the existing frame in the Klang Valley to create an integrated rail transportation system," he said.
However, the budget dimension for the project has not been discussed yet, the minister told reporters after his working visit to the KTMB office here.
The proposal is a circular loop of elevated railtracks encompassing the Kuala Lumpur city, which will link Sentul, Sungai Buloh or Kepong, Kelana Jaya, Batu Tiga, Bukit Jalil, Bandar Tasik Selatan, Cheras, Ampang and Sentul timur, estimated to be around 60km to 70km, said KTMB managing director Datuk Mohd Salleh Abdullah.
"This project needs to be reviewed, and this time the ministry is taking a serious look at it.
"We always wanted the circular one, that must be different from the existing (route), we need that integration so that people do not have to pass to Kuala Lumpur or do interchange in other stations," he rationalised.
Asked on when they expect to hear from the government, Mohd Salleh said: "It has to be approved by the Transport Ministry, Economic Planning Unit and Finance Ministry, so we expect by next year. They would decide whether they want to consider doing the feasibility study.
He said if the government agrees to do the study, an outside consultant will be appointed to do it.
Asked on how many stations they plan to build, Mohd Salleh said it would depend on the outcome of the study.
However, he did not deny that such a move to integrate transportation is a big challenge for the government.
"Such integration must be subsidised by the government, because if you expect private sector, they would just be looking at the profit level.
"We have to have a good public transportation system, you need it in ten year or twenty years down the road, when cars on roads increase," said Mohd Salleh.
-- BERNAMA
Non-specific link:
http://www.bernama.com.my/
April 28, 2008 15:39 PM
KTM Adding Five Commuter Trains In Two Years
By Mohd Hisham Abdul Rafar
KUALA LUMPUR, April 28 (Bernama) -- Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) has bought five new sets of commuter trains expected to be received within the next two years in an effort to improve services.
KTMB Commuter Service general manager Mohd Zain Taha said the additional sets were to make up for the shortage, with only 35 sets left out of the total 50.
"Fifteen sets of the commuter trains which have been sent for repairs are old, with problems like faulty air-conditioning and engines.
"The repairs will take time because some spareparts have to be imported or are no longer in the market. So we have to find other sources," he said when contacted by Bernama here Monday.
Mohd Zain said the train sets in active operation still needed to be taken to the depot regularly for checks and maintenance, hence causing the train journeys to be rescheduled and resulting in delays of up to 20 minutes at times.
However, he said KTMB informed commuters about every train delay or cancellation of service to enable them to decide whether to wait or take alternative transport.
"The station master can also change the date on the paid ticket which can be used on another day."
Mohd Zain said KTMB would like to apologise to its commuters for the delays or cancellation of service, in response to such complaints from commuters of late.
He said KTMB was trying its best to provide efficient service to the public, including carrying out daily train maintenance work to avoid breakdowns that caused delays and cancellations.
-- BERNAMA
http://www.bernama.com.my/
Friday August 8, 2008
KTMB ordered to upgrade rolling stocks to boost capacity
RAWANG: In efforts to boost KTMB’s capacity, Transport Minister Datuk Ong Tee Keat has ordered the company to refurbish old and abandoned electrical multiple unit rail cars.
Refurbishing rolling stock is a faster and cheaper way to meet the demand from the increasing number of passengers, he explained.
“If we were to order new trains, it would take more than two years,” he said.
Refurbishing rolling stock did not mean a “cut and paste” job.
Ong stressed and added: “It involves the latest technology. It is not just repairing, that is why I do not want to use the word ‘repairing’.”
Ong said his ministry and KTMB were doing an evaluation on the cost efficiency, delivery and other factors of the project.
“We hope to complete our analysis by the end of the year so we can start on the refurbishing work as soon as possible,” he told reporters after attending the ground breaking ceremony of Scomi’s technology and manufacturing centre here yesterday.
Meanwhile, Scomi Engineering president Hilmy Zaini said Scomi, which has refurbished 150 Rapid buses, would be keen on the KTMB rolling stock refurbishment project if given the opportunity.
Hilmy added that it would also bid for the expansion of the KL monorail and Putra light rail transit systems.
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/8/8/nation/22033655&sec=nation
Wisarut
01-11-08, 04:37 AM
You can swee the compalines abotu poor KTM Services here:
http://www.usj.com.my/bulletin/upload/showthread.php?t=22894&page=1&pp=15
http://mt.m2day.org/2008/content/view/7387/1/
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