LRT operator explains why the need for seven days' downtime

KUALA LUMPUR: Prasarana Malaysia Bhd will find an immediate solution to problems related to the Automatic Train Control (ATC) system on the Kelana Jaya Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line that has caused service disruptions.

Prasarana Group chief executive officer Mohd Azharuddin Mat Sah said they have yet to determine the root cause of the ATC problem and hoped that the expected arrival of the team from original equipment manufacturer (OEM) Thales Group from Toronto, Canada, and Dubai tomorrow would help them resolve the issue.

Mohd Azharuddin, in apologising to all parties, especially the commuters for the inconvenience caused, said they are doing everything possible to solve the problem.

"Why (stop the services for) seven days? We are trying to find a solution but we cannot determine the root cause and are awaiting the experts from Canada… we need more time to assess what is the problem, find the root cause and test our trains in a sustainable manner.

"They will help us find a solution regarding the signal and communication between the trains and the vehicle control centre. This is an important matter so that we know the train’s location for the safety of the commuters… (it) is our most important priority,” he told a media conference here today.

The LRT service between the Kelana Jaya and Ampang Park stations has been suspended for seven days since 6 am today for passenger safety reasons and the time needed to identify the cause of the service disruption.

Mohd Azharuddin said that before the service resumes on Nov 16, "we want to make sure we are able to run the trains safely and permanently”.

"We don’t want to start operating in the morning and then stop in the evening,” he said.

Asked about the long-term solutions to the problem, he said Prasarana would change the ATC system now that it has received the approval from its board of directors to upgrade it.

"The problem this time is the system and software. The problem we faced with the train (previously) involved brake clippers but that is another issue. The Kelana Jaya line has been operating for nearly 25 years… the parts need to be replaced. It’s about time…,” he said.

Meanwhile, Rapid Rail Sdn Bhd (Rapid Rail) will provide up to 85 buses on five routes as an alternative bus service due to LRT service disruptions, with an expected frequency of around 15 to 20 minutes per bus.