Prasarana to be responsible for MRT operations

Mass Rapid Transit Corporation Sdn Bhd (MRT Corp) Strategic Communications and Stakeholder Relations director Datuk Najmuddin Abdullah expressed confidence in the expertise of the public-transport operator.

“We have signed a very specific contract with Prasarana on their role as the MRT operator and MRT is the asset owner and builder.

“Prasarana will be responsible for the MRT operations from maintenance to safety under Rapid Rail, as well as 300 of our new buses.

“MRT also has an asset and operations management team to oversee the operations," he said.

He also elaborated on two safety contingency plans during emergencies or stalled trains which include a safety walkway to offload passengers, as well as a pocket track to allow a rescue train through to pick up the stranded passengers.

The MRT Sungai Buloh-Kajang (SBK) Line’s phase one stretching from Sungai Buloh to Semantan in Damansara Heights is going through on-going tests for system works and will begin operations in Dec.

At 89% completion, the entire SBK line will be operational by July 2017 while aggressive construction works will start on the MRT Sungai Buloh-Serdang-Putrajaya (SSP) Line after the ground-breaking ceremony on Sept 15.

Najmuddin added that engineering feasibility studies are still being carried out on the Circle Line with no fixed stations as yet.

“The route for the Circle Line will be in the city centre area and will not be that long as it is meant to cut short travel time and increase connectivity from the two lines and points within the city.

“There is a huge possibility that the entire Circle Line will be underground as it is almost impossible for the wide train to pass between tall buildings,” he said.

Najmuddin added that the Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) would decide on fare prices.