KTM Komuter trains on right track

THANKS to its 97.5% punctual service during the morning peak period, the KTM Komuter service is a feather in the cap of the Improving Urban Public Transport National Key Results Area.

“The frequency of trains has improved tremendously and is comparable to global city standards, in terms of accommodating both disabled and elderly passengers as well as the public,” said Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.

According to the 2014 Government Transformation Programme Report, ridership numbers during 6am to 10am on weekdays grew 4% last year to 455,728 public transport riders, compared to 437,525 in 2013.

The introduction of 38 new six-car sets for the KTM Komuter service reduced the waiting time between trains from 30 to 45 minutes, to every 15 minutes.

And thanks to 35 new four-car sets, the LRT Kelana Jaya Line service is now available every 2.5 minutes, instead of the previous five to seven minutes waiting time.

Another testament to the improvement of the public transport network within the Klang Valley is the increased customer satisfaction rate, which rose to 86% from 71%.

Liow acknowledged that there was a need for more efforts to further improve its delivery.

“For example, we recognise that the lack of adequate first and last-mile connectivity, and the lack of integration between the various modes of public transport continue to be factors deterring greater use of public transport,” said Liow.

First-mile is the first leg of the journey from the commuter’s point of origin to the public transport facility, while last-mile is the final leg of the journey from the public transport facility to the commuter’s final destination.

Efforts to address these “missing links” include Park n’ Ride complexes and pedestrian linkages.

Housewife Norahana Othman is one of those who like using the new Park n’ Ride facility at the Ampang LRT station, which began last year.

“The multi-storey design with its security features and reserved parking for women and people with disabilities is very different from what we had before. Whether it’s day or night, I am not afraid of parking my car there,” she said.