14 new trains to be added to LRT's Kelana Jaya line

KUALA LUMPUR: Commuters using the LRT's Kelana Jaya line can look forward to more frequent and more comfortable rides as Rapid Rail Sdn Bhd (Rapid Rail) has added 14 new trains for the route.
Rapid Rail CEO Datuk Zohari Sulaiman said the "new generation" four-coached trains costs RM577.5 million in total and will be implemented in stages starting today.
"We will be introducing in stages two trains each month and by mid-2017 all 14 trains will be in service," Zohari told the press after taking reporters for a ride on a new train from Ara Damansara to Ampang Park today.
He said the Kelana Jaya line is currently transporting about 190,000 commuters per day, which is at 150% capacity and the new trains are expected to relieve the pressure.
Zohari said daily ridership is expected to increase to 260,000 within the next few months and Rapid Rail is targeting to accommodate 300,000 daily commuters when all new trains are in service.
This, he said, will result in increased train frequency and a more comfortable ride for all passengers as trains will not be as crowded.
"Train frequency now is about three and a half minutes per train, the new trains will reduce waiting time to about three minutes per train," Zohari said.
He said the new trains will also make train maintenance less disruptive to commuters and this is in line with the government's policy of encouraging public transport use among the people.
Zohari said the new trains also come equipped with electronic station displays, infotainment panels, additional leg room for bag storage, and 16 CCTVs on each train for increased security.
"It comes with more comfortable seating, with space underneath to stash your bags for the comfort of other passengers. It also comes with CCTVs which are monitored from our headquarters for better security," he said.
The Kelana Jaya Line Extension saw 12 new stations covering 17.4km added to the busy route, covering the areas of Ara Damansara, Subang Jaya, USJ, and ends at Putra Heights.
The extension stations opened on June 30 along with Ampang LRT Line Extensions.