One train every three minutes during peak hours on Kelana Jaya LRT by end-October, says Loke

KUALA LUMPUR: A frequency of one train every three minutes during peak hours will be achieved along the Kelana Jaya LRT Line by the end of this month, says Transport Minister Anthony Loke.

He said this was because of the operation of three new four-carriage trains along the line from last month.

A further 16 trains would be received and deployed in stages until next year under the Kuala Lumpur Additional Vehicles 27 (KLAV27) project.

"Train frequency along the line during peak hours improved from 4.4 minutes in December last year to 3.8 minutes in September.

"It is expected to reach three minutes by the end of this month," he said in a parliamentary written reply on Tuesday (Oct 24).

Lee Chean Chung (PH-Petaling Jaya) had asked about the Transport Ministry’s plans to increase public transport uptake from 20% to the targeted 40% in light of low train frequencies during peak hours and a lack of trains and buses to support high ridership.

On the Kajang MRT Line, Loke said train wheels were being replaced and peak hour frequencies should improve from six minutes to four by the end of January.

He said Prasarana was also implementing various measures on both the Kelana Jaya LRT and Kajang MRT lines, including repairs of faulty train components.

"An Overhaul and Midlife Refurbishment project for trains on both lines is also in the works," Loke said.

In the Klang Valley, Loke said Rapid Bus Sdn Bhd which handles RapidKL services was working to increase the number of buses in service.

"A framework to license 'bus on demand' services as an alternative is also in the works.

"This provides an alternative and more choices for consumers," he added.

Separately, Loke said some 356 bus stops in the Klang Valley would be upgraded in stages in line with the Road Safety and Traffic Congestion Cabinet Committee decision on Oct 12.

Thirty-six locations had also been identified for new pedestrian walkways, he said.

"This would improve the public’s experience in utilising public transport," Loke added.

He also said the bus-lane trial project in Jalan Ampang had seen a 12% increase in RapidKL Bus ridership as of September.

"The Cabinet Committee has decided to expand the bus lane along Jalan Ampang and implement three more special bus lanes along Jalan Cheras-Loke Yew, Jalan Kuching and Jalan Genting Klang," he said.