ALOR STAR: Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTMB) train passengers in Kedah hope the Federal Government will allocate additional train services to enhance the Butterworth-Padang Besar line.
This comes after Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced that KTMB will acquire 62 passenger train sets through a rolling stock leasing agreement between China and Malaysia.
Jafri Ibrahim, 55, who commutes between Sungai Petani and Anak Bukit for work, hoped several new carriages could be allocated, replacing older ones on the Butterworth-Padang Besar line.
Jafri, an aircraft handler, said while service quality on the line is currently adequate, it should be improved if the government is serious about developing regions outside the Klang Valley.
"Here, it gets very cramped at Alor Star and Anak Bukit stations during peak hours, with some of the trains being older. There's a slight concern regarding fire safety.
"During school holidays, these trains are packed with tourists traveling to Padang Besar, so there's definitely a need to enhance the services here," he said when met at the Anak Bukit KTMB Station here today.
He added improved infrastructure for parking and accessibility for persons with disabilities and the elderly would also be greatly appreciated.
Yesterday, Loke said the new train sets, expected to cost RM10.7 billion over the first phase from 2024 to 2027, will be financed through payments spread over 30 years.
The deal includes 36 Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) three-car sets, 12 EMU six-car sets, and 14 Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) six-car sets, aiming to increase track utilisation to 45 per cent by 2027.
Civil servant Khairun Anuar, 42, lauded the initiative, noting many civil servants serving at the federal agencies complex in Anak Bukit rely on KTMB trains for their commute.
He stressed the current frequency of one train every 30 minutes during peak hours needs to be improved to boost track utilisation.
"On Sundays and Thursdays, it's very packed, and delays are expected, so I welcome this announcement," said Khairun, who commutes between Tasek Gelugor and Anak Bukit on weekdays.
Khairun also called for enhanced last-mile connectivity between the stations with business and government administration areas.
"It's common for daily commuters to leave their motorcycles at the station because there's a lack of buses connecting us to stations and workplaces," he added.
Similarly, A. K. Meenachey, 44, a housewife who frequently uses the Butterworth-Padang Besar line, said the lack of bus services adds financial strain on public transport users.
"To reach my destinations, I have to book a taxi or use e-hailing services, which can be costly. Buses could be a significant financial relief.
"I'm glad the government plans to enhance these services," she added.