WHEN KTM Komuter started its services in 1995, it had 64 three-carriage Electric Multiple Units (EMUs) to run its operations. But over the years, the absence of proper periodic maintenance, difficulties in getting spare parts and the lack of funds to pay for repairs resulted in most of the coaches being left in the sidings in a state of neglect.
Now, only 25 EMUs, or less than two-fifths of the original fleet, are on the tracks, affecting the frequency of the commuter services, which has fallen from 15-minute intervals during peak hours to 30 minutes or longer.
But as unreliable, inefficient and uncomfortable as its services have been, KTM Komuter has not been losing customers. In fact, daily ridership has shot up three-fold from the 30,000-odd passengers that the commuter trains carried each day in 1996 to the present 96,000. However, it is no secret that passengers have been losing patience with the long waiting times on the platforms, delays, breakdowns, and overcrowding.
Fortunately, once the new electric trains have been fully-tested and KTM Berhad (KTMB) rolls them out in stages from March to June next year, it would be reasonable for the long-suffering train commuters in the Klang Valley to expect that they will no longer have to endure the trying situations that have tested their patience.
But as comforting as the numbers may be -- 38 new six-car trains, in addition to the 25 old three-coach EMUs -- all the investment in rolling stock will come to nought without adequate attention to upkeep. For this reason, KTMB must avoid complacency and put into practice sustained procedures for scheduled maintenance. With the increased capacity, KTM Komuter should look to the needs of passengers to understand what they want and strive to improve its services.
At the same time, the surge in demand for rail services -- be it regular rail, light rail or high-speed trains -- and their potential as the long-term solution to the country's long-standing transportation problems, mean that we cannot let rail development lag behind for the lack of funds, resources and support. We have to capitalise on rail's ability to beat congestion in and around urban areas and its capability to cut journey times in inter-city travel. - nst.com.my
But as unreliable, inefficient and uncomfortable as its services have been, KTM Komuter has not been losing customers. In fact, daily ridership has shot up three-fold from the 30,000-odd passengers that the commuter trains carried each day in 1996 to the present 96,000. However, it is no secret that passengers have been losing patience with the long waiting times on the platforms, delays, breakdowns, and overcrowding.
Fortunately, once the new electric trains have been fully-tested and KTM Berhad (KTMB) rolls them out in stages from March to June next year, it would be reasonable for the long-suffering train commuters in the Klang Valley to expect that they will no longer have to endure the trying situations that have tested their patience.
But as comforting as the numbers may be -- 38 new six-car trains, in addition to the 25 old three-coach EMUs -- all the investment in rolling stock will come to nought without adequate attention to upkeep. For this reason, KTMB must avoid complacency and put into practice sustained procedures for scheduled maintenance. With the increased capacity, KTM Komuter should look to the needs of passengers to understand what they want and strive to improve its services.
At the same time, the surge in demand for rail services -- be it regular rail, light rail or high-speed trains -- and their potential as the long-term solution to the country's long-standing transportation problems, mean that we cannot let rail development lag behind for the lack of funds, resources and support. We have to capitalise on rail's ability to beat congestion in and around urban areas and its capability to cut journey times in inter-city travel. - nst.com.my
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