The Railway Assets Corporation (RAC) has begun repairing facilities at KTM Komuter stations that were identified as faulty by a public transport advocate. Assuring commuters, RAC, the owner of these stations, emphasized that the ongoing repairs and replacements will not interfere with train services or station operations.
"The repairs and replacements for Komuter railway station facilities involve a significant process and will need to be carried out in stages," RAC stated in a press release to Malay Mail.
RAC elaborated on the challenges it faces in maintaining the facilities at KTM Komuter stations, which it took over at the beginning of the year. Notably, most of the equipment at these stations has been in use for over 14 years and now requires extensive repairs and overhauls. "Most of the units have been operating far beyond their intended lifespan and need major replacements," RAC added.
In addition, RAC acknowledged that many of its stations lack adequate toilet facilities for persons with disabilities (PwDs). This deficiency is attributed to the design standards used during the initial construction of these stations. Nonetheless, RAC has committed to improving these facilities wherever possible.
Furthermore, RAC clarified that not all stops along the KTM Komuter line are fully-fledged stations; many are designated as "halts," which have intentionally limited facilities. Specifically, out of the 57 listed locations, 20 are halts and 37 are stations.
RAC has pledged to continue maintaining and enhancing the facilities. It also welcomed feedback from users, underscoring the importance of continuous and constructive dialogue in improving the quality of the railway stations. "We believe in continuous and constructive feedback, where both elements are instrumental in ensuring that we can push ahead to improve the standard of railway stations for the benefit of all users," RAC stated.
This issue of faulty equipment was brought to light by a public transportation advocate's informal audit of all 59 KTM Komuter stations. The audit revealed that nearly half of the installed escalators were non-functional. Additionally, only 20 stations have toilets accessible to PwDs, while another 20 stations lack such facilities entirely. This inspection was highlighted on social media by the X (formerly Twitter) user slainthayer, who had previously conducted a similar audit of 40 MRT stations in 2022. The earlier audit prompted the operator, Rapid KL, to enhance their maintenance and communication regarding station facilities.
In response to these findings, KTM Bhd, the operator of the KTM Komuter stations, promptly addressed the issue, indicating that most of the required repairs should be completed by today. The proactive measures taken by RAC and KTM Bhd demonstrate their commitment to providing safe, reliable, and accessible transportation services to the public.
The ongoing repairs and improvements are vital for maintaining the infrastructure and ensuring that commuters can travel comfortably and safely. RAC's efforts to upgrade the facilities, coupled with their receptiveness to user feedback, are positive steps towards enhancing the overall commuter experience on the KTM Komuter line. As these efforts progress, commuters can look forward to more reliable services and improved station amenities, contributing to a better public transportation system in Kuala Lumpur.
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