PUBLIC transport advocates and commuters have welcomed Rapid KL’s ongoing track replacement exercise for the LRT Kelana Jaya line.
They hope that it will reduce service interruptions.
Malaysia Land Public Transport Fans chairman Zac Cheong said replacing the old tracks could help extend the lifespan of the trains.
“It is like driving a car. Driving on roads in good condition reduces wear and tear on the vehicle.
“Replacing the tracks also ensures commuter comfort by minimising train instability, which tends to happen on compromised tracks,” he added.
However, Cheong noted that LRT and MRT lines rarely face severe problems with their tracks because they were specifically designed for passenger trains.
“LRT and MRT trains do not share tracks with heavier freight trains, which significantly reduces track wear,” he said.
Transit Malaysia member Aqiel Mohd Sharifizal noted that the LRT Kelana Jaya line – the country’s busiest – was approaching 30 years of operations.
“Track replacement is part and parcel of maintaining such a busy line.
“We hope this leads to fewer issues on the line moving forward, although it should be noted many recent service disruptions were caused by train faults rather than track issues,” Aqiel added.
According to Rapid KL, the track replacement project, which began on Sept 13, is being carried out across seven phases and is scheduled for completion in September next year.
“For sections with longer curved track trajectories, replacement works take additional time.
“Hence, on certain dates, works in these areas will extend into the morning.
“Affected stations will open at 9.30am on these dates (see table) instead of the usual 6am,” Rapid KL said in the statement.
Operating hours for unaffected stations will remain unchanged.
Rapid KL said ticketing machines at affected stations would be offline until 9.30am on selected dates but commuters could purchase tickets from counters there.
It added that Rapid KL and Touch ’n Go users would be unaffected.
Free feeder buses service will be deployed to connect affected stations throughout the maintenance period.
“Station personnel, auxiliary police and Prasarana Troopers will be placed at affected stations to assist commuters.
“Information signboards and flyers will also be provided,” Rapid KL added.
Information on the track replacement works is available at www.myrapid.com.my and Rapid KL’s social media pages.
