Five of 23 initiatives to improve LRT operations done, says Wee

 

Among the recommendations that have been implemented are the use of two hostlers, with one acting as safety and compliance officer in tunnels. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: Prasarana Malaysia Bhd (Prasarana) has implemented five of the 23 initiatives recommended by the transport ministry investigation committee to improve the Light Rail Transit (LRT) operations, says transport minister Wee Ka Siong.

Wee said that the 23 suggestions were tabled to the Cabinet on June 9.

On May 24, two Light Rail Transit trains were involved in a collision on the Kelana Jaya Line which caused injuries to many passengers.

Wee said the five initiatives to revamp the methods and operating guidelines by Prasarana and Rapid Rail Sdn Bhd were:

• Having two hostlers (drivers), with one acting as safety and compliance officer in tunnels to operate manual trains.
• Upgrading the work tools used by hostlers to carry out their duties in dark tunnels.
• Improving the checklists used by hostlers and the Operation Control Centre (OCC) during manual operation and in critical situations.
• Setting up a sighting committee to perform audits on track markers.
• Reporting safety performance issues and improvements regularly to Prasarana and Rapid Rail senior management for review and monitoring.

He said that since May 30, Prasarana has been urging Rapid Rail to enhance its operations by adding a “buffer zone” to protect trains that lose communication signals so that approaching trains can stop at a safe distance.

Besides that, he said, Prasarana had also limited the maximum speed of manually driven trains to 20kph.

Rapid Rail is also going ahead with 11 medium-term recommendations which will be implemented within three to six months.

“As for the remaining seven long-term measures, Prasarana is working with stakeholders and relevant authorities such as the Land Public Transport Agency (Apad) to implement them progressively. Some require additional investment and technical expertise from various quarters.

“The ministry is looking forward to the timely and efficient implementation of the other 18 recommendations. We will continue to work closely with Prasarana to ensure overall adherence to safety in operations for parties involved,” Wee said. - FMT