KUALA LUMPUR: The Rapid KL Monorail Line started putting the first two of its Malaysian-made four-car trains into service recently, marking a new era for the service.
Each of the four-car trains can accommodate 430 passengers per trip, compared with 213 passengers for the two-car trains.
Rapid KL Monorail Line chief operating officer Abdul Hadi Amran said Rapid Rail Sdn Bhd was happy to put the two trains into service as they could significantly reduce waiting time for passengers.
“With the doubling of the train capacity, we are able to take in more passengers at one time.
“Passengers need not wait for the next train. They can comfortably board the train now. With more four-car trains coming in next year, our service will be even better,” said Hadi who gave souvenirs to commuters to show appreciation for their
support.
He said every car was equipped with four closed-circuit television cameras, newly-designed space for wheelchairs and strollers, and light-emitting diodes.
Hadi said two more four-car trains were scheduled to come into service by the first quarter of next year.
“The remaining eight will be deployed in stages. All 12 trains are scheduled to be in operation by the end of next year,” he said.
“Upon the delivery and commissioning of all 12 trains, the two-car trains, which have been in operational since 2003, will be decommissioned.”
Rapid Rail had also upgraded all its 11 stations, by installing universal access features and extending the stations’ platforms.
“We have also added a new wing at the Bukit Bintang station and an overhead bridge for direct access to KL Sentral Station from Nu Sentral,” he said.
Monorail has a daily ridership of about 65,000 and operates at 35 per cent overcapacity during peak hours.
Housewife Yusnani Yusoff, who was among the first to board the four-car trains, said: “Many people commute to Bukit Bintang every day and they need good transport. So, I am happy that we now have the four-car trains which are more spacious than the two-car trains.”
Marketing executive Nurul Nadia Abdul Hamid, 27, said, previously, she would give the ride a miss, especially during peak hours.
“The train can be too crowded with people heading to work, but now we do not have to wait for the next train as the four-car train can take more people at one go. I think more people will use monorail, especially on weekends,” she said, adding that she couldn’t wait for all the four-car trains to be fully operational.
College student Anissa Rifadiien from Jakarta said she was delighted to see the four-car trains.
“This new train is more spacious and more comfortable. We like it,” said Anissa who was travelling with her friends.
Her sentiments were echoed by Lim Eng Hwa, 62, who uses the monorail from the KL Sentral station to Titiwangsa, every Saturday.
“The new train is way better and more comfortable for the passengers.
“This will definitely encourage more people to use public transport while travelling around the city,” he said. By Nor Ain Mohamed Radhi