Navigating TRANSIT

Posted on November 13, 2009 by transitmy

TRANSIT logo

Navigation of TRANSIT’s website is easy!

Just use the tabs at the top of the page or the links below to take you where you want to go:

  • Home – Our Blog page, with postings arranged in reverse chronological order;
  • C.A.T. – Our page on Competency, Accountability and Transparency;
  • Contacts – Contact information for TRANSIT, as well as government, operators, and civil service departments – to help in the feedback process;
  • Design - Our page on Architecture, Design & Standards;
  • F.A.Q. – Frequently Asked Questions on Public Transport;
  • Info/Ideas – Useful information about public transport, advocacy of public transport, academic papers, routes & services in Malaysia, and even culture (art, music & museums);
  • Proposals – TRANSIT’s proposals, memos, presentations and papers, as well as masterplans, proposals and other ideas;
  • Updates – Information about projects as well as collections of articles & letters related to public transport;
  • TRANSIT – Information About TRANSIT, who we are, what we are trying to do, and how you can help us.

SPECIAL NOTE: TRANSIT is working on running a tour of the Express Rail Link depot at Salak Tinggi, which will be scheduled for December 9. Click here for more information about our planned tour.

SPECIAL NOTE: Public Display Information for current rail projects can be found at the links below:

We welcome your feedback. Let us know below what we can do to improve our website, or send us an email at klangvalley.transit@gmail.com!
 

Filed under: Activities, Announcements, Comments on Government, Comments on Planning, FAQ, Feedback, Information, Universal Design | Tagged: , , , | Leave a Comment »

Interesting article about RapidPenang for our 301st post

Posted on November 14, 2009 by transitmy

TRANSIT wondered how we could make our 301st post memorable, and lo and behold, there was an interesting article about RapidPenang in the NST today.

Take these routes to comfort (NST)
2009/11/14

By Phuah Ken Lin

THE success of Rapid Penang underlines its ability to offer better services to commuters.

Rapid Penang has scaled new heights since its inception in August 2007.

The company recently became the only stage bus company in the country to provide real-time tracking system on bus locations.

The global positioning system (GPS), known as the Intelligent Commuter Information System (Rapid ICIS), has reduced waiting time for buses.

Rapid Penang was recently recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records for being the first stage bus company to install wi-fi on board its buses, and for being the first stage bus operator to achieve ISO 9001:2008 certification.

It is also the first stage bus company in the country to provide GPS services to commuters.

Chief executive officer Azhar Ahmad said the sky was the limit for the company and it would not rest on its laurels.

“We have expanded our fleet of buses from 150 to 350 and we have witnessed a rise in bus ridership.

“Our services have reduced traffic congestion with more people opting to commute to work on our buses.”

He said the traffic flow in Air Itam and Balik Pulau had improved during peak hours, especially in the mornings.

“Traffic jams have gone down by 20 per cent in main roads on the island.”

He praised residents who left their vehicles at home and opted to commute.

He attributed the change in mindset to the rapid ICS features, wi-fi enabled buses and the company’s ties with key players in the tourism industry.

“Firefly passengers to Penang get a free bus ride from the Penang International Airport to Weld Quay.

[TRANSIT: How about something similar in KL from Subang Airport to KL town?]

“We are also exploring similar value-added services with other airlines such as AirAsia.”

Azhar said the recently-held Rapid Penang Fiesta, commemorating Rapid Penang’s two years in service, was the company’s way of thanking commuters for their support.

The fiesta included a treasure hunt, in which commuters completed the hunt by travelling on Rapid Penang buses and on foot.

“The bus-hunt allowed participants to appreciate the comfort, affordability and reliability of Rapid Penang buses first hand, all while having a good time.”

He said Rapid Penang strove to provide better seating and shorter bus waiting time for commuters.

He said it planned to fit LED screens at bus terminals and selected bus stops to display bus arrivals and movement on a real-time basis.

He urged the local authorities to make bus stops more accessible to wheelchair-bound commuters.

The firm would target more commuters from the higher-income group, he added.

[TRANSIT: We say, enough with the "higher-income" and "lower income" concepts because they encourage the wrong mentality. How about "convenient transport for all" instead?]

He said Rapid Penang had doubled its ridership from 39,000 in 2007 to 65,000 this year and would continue to deploy more buses.

“You may see some 500 buses plying the roads in the next five years.”

He said the company would introduce more routes in rural areas on the mainland.

As for Rapid Penang’s role in the Northern Corridor Economic Region, Azhar said the company would ensure Penang served as a transport and logistic hub for the northern region.

TRANSIT Says:

As always, we begin by congratulating RapidPenang staff and their CEO Azhar Ahmad, and then follow that up by wishing that RapidKL was more like RapidPenang.

TRANSIT likes the idea of partnership between RapidPenang and Firefly to encourage public transport use for passengers of the “Community Airline.”

Perhaps we could encourage RapidKL to allow free bus trips for Firefly passengers on RapidKL’s U81 bus service.

Filed under: Bus, Feedback, Information, News & Events, Universal Design | Tagged: , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

9 December KLIA Express Depot Tour – Join Us!

Posted on November 13, 2009 by transitmy

TRANSIT logo

One of the visions for TRANSIT is to raise awareness about public transport and how it benefits the community.

To help achieve this goal, TRANSIT has partnered with the (KTM) Railway Fan Club to organize a tour of the Express Rail Link depot at Salak Tinggi.

KLIA Express Depot Tour Banner - Image courtesy of ERL Sdn. Bhd.

40 spaces are available for the tour for the tour, which will take place on the morning of December 9. Out of these 40 spaces, 15 spaces have been allocated to TRANSIT and will be allocated to members of TRANSIT’s discussion group or visitors to our website, on a first-come, first-served basis.

This quote from the ERL Sdn. Bhd. says it all:

Our aim is to educate your students about us, the environmentally friendly high-speed train, up-close and personal in the train workshop and control centre. This is an ideal opportunity for your group to learn more about our experiences, our knowledge & skills!

Important Information and Details

  • Date: 9 December 2009 (tour is always on a Wednesday morning)
  • Number of Spaces: 15 (only 40 total spaces are available)
  • Meeting Point: KL Sentral and/or Bandar Tasik Selatan ERL station.
  • Price: Depends on the number of people who indicate they are interested. It could be free if enough people book early!
  • Tour Program (general guideline)

Additional Information

Disclaimer & Note

  • Children under 13 years of age are not permitted on the tour for safety reasons;
  • ERL, (KTM) Railway Fan Club and TRANSIT will not be responsible for any injuries, loss or damage incurred to the person or property of any members of the group as a result of their own negligence

Filed under: Activities, Announcements, Feedback, High Speed Rail | Tagged: , , , , , , | 1 Comment »

Thrilling monorail ride in KL for Johor school kids

Posted on November 13, 2009 by transitmy

TRANSIT took note of this very interesting article about schoolkids from Johor. Not only do we at TRANSIT share the enthusiasm of the young for public transport (and hope to encourage it), we hope to find ways to harness this enthusiasm.

SPECIAL NOTE: For this reason, we are working on running a tour of the Express Rail Link depot at Salak Tinggi, which will be scheduled for December 9. 

Thrilling monorail ride for schoolkids

Friday, November 13th, 2009
KL Monorail
GREAT FUN: (From left) Mohd Nur Syahir, Mohd Nur Akhbar and Mohd Zarif enjoyed the free train ride

A GROUP of primary six school  children from Johor and their teachers were thrilled to get a taste of what we urbanites take for granted – a monorail ride through the city.

The 74 children from the Sekolah Kebangsaan Bakri Batu 5 in Muar had been looking forward to the experience for months, said a teacher, Mohd Ibrahim Daud, who led a group of nine teaching staff accompanying the children.

Arriving at 4pm at Wisma Monorail, the group was first given a briefing of the technology and innovation employed by KL Monorail for its trains.

They were also given the rare opportunity of stepping into KL Monorail’s Control Centre. They were later taken on a chartered train ride to all the monorail stations receiving a history of the city throughout the ride.

Mohd Ibrahim said the school started planning for their year-end trip some months back. “When we asked the students what activities they had in mind for knowledge, they voted for the monorail ride. “Their reason was that they wanted to know what technology is used to operate the monorail.”

The children’s one-day visit to Kuala Lumpur began with an excursion to the National Bird Park, followed by a visit to the High 5 factory, then the monorail ride. After the monorail experience, they set off for an evening of
fun at Cosmo’s World Theme Park, Berjaya Times Square.

For most of the children, it was their first visit to Kuala Lumpur, and their first train ride. “I learned a lot today about how the systems work, and of course, the train ride was a lot of fun,” said Mohd Zarif Samsudin, 12, one of the students.

Another student, Nadia Mahsuri, also 12, said the trip had been educational for her. “Today’s ride was my first train ride. I had been looking forward to it for months,” she said.

The guests were treated to  drinks and milk sponsored by Dutch Lady Malaysia Bhd. The exercise is part of a sponsorship collaboration with KL Monorail in line with the company’s “We Care”  campaign.

KL Monorail marketing and business development manager, Norazah Abd Rashid, said the visit was a rare opportunity for children to learn about the technology being used in their everyday lives.

“This is a chance for young children to get to know how things are done at the monorail. They get to know how the complex system works and to ask personnel about their jobs, particularly about the unique post of train captain.”

TRANSIT Says:

It seems like a great adventure for the young students. Let’s hope that they can come back to an even better public transport system in a few short years.

Filed under: Information, Monorail, News & Events | Tagged: , , | Leave a Comment »

Changes to 45 RapidKL bus routes (updated with link to RapidKL article)

Posted on November 12, 2009 by transitmy

Klang Valley public transport operator RapidKL has announced that they will be making changes to 45 bus routes as of 16 November 2009.

According to a statement from RapidKL, these routes will go directly to the ‘City Centre’ reducing the need to change buses in the city centre.

This is expected to reduce the amount of money that occasional riders and those who have not purchased the monthly rapidpass would have to pay for their fares.

UPDATE: Detailed information about the adjustments, new routes, and discontinued services can now be seen here on RapidKL’s website

A list of the 32 bus routes that will be extended into the City Centre. Image courtesy of The Star & RapidKL

Click here to see a copy of the official statement. Click here to see a list of the affected routes.

45 RapidKL bus routes to go straight into city centre (RapidKL)

Petaling Jaya, 12 November 2009 

Beginning 16 November 2009, RapidKL buses will go straight into the city centre, with the new re-alignment exercise involving 45 RapidKL bus routes.

The exercise involves 32 bus route extensions into the city centre, 11 re-aligned routes and two new routes being introduced.

Rangkaian Pengangkutan Integrasi Deras Sdn Bhd (RapidKL), the largest public transport operator in the Klang Valley, announced this during a Press Conference held at its office today.

RapidKL operates in 165 routes covering 980 housing estates daily. Since the introduction of the Zonal Fare System last September, bus passengers wanting to go into the City Centre will need [have needed] to change buses, and pay more. With the 45 newly re-aligned routes, these customers need not change buses, thus no additional fares.

The new re-alignment exercise beginning 16 November will increase the current 184 buses operating in the 45 affected routes to 341 buses.  

Dato’ Mohamed Hazlan Mohamed Hussain, RapidKL’s Chief Operating Officer (Bus), said the re-alignments would make it easier for the customers as most of the routes would take the customers straight into the City Centre without having to change buses. 

“The additional number of buses means better services, higher bus frequencies, shorter waiting period and more value for their money. This exercise will provide our customers with a more efficient service, in line with our efforts to ensure a better customer experience for our customers,” he added.

“For further information, customers can call our Helpline: 03-78852585 which operates from 7.00 am to 8.30 pm (Mon-Fri), 8.30 am to 5.30 pm (Sat-Sun) or surf our website http://www.rapidkl.com.my or provide feedback to suggest@rapidkl.com.my

TRANSIT Says:

We are waiting on more details about which routes will be affected by this change on 16 November. But in the meantime, we wonder why RapidKL was not able to sustain the “Hub and Spoke” system that they introduced in 2006.

We would like to know were RapidKL will get the additional buses from, where the buses will go to in the “City Centre” and of course, how this will affect the Bas Bandar (City Shuttle) and Bas Tempatan (Local Shuttle) services.

In addition, we are concerned to note that RapidKL is only giving the public 4 days to adjust to the changes that they are making. No opportunity has been given for the public to provide feedback on the changes.

This approach taken by RapidKL to reduce the number of transfers appears on the surface to be in the customer’s interest, but the constant change of routes and the lack of public feedback or consultation suggests something else entirely.

When we have more information we will share it with you immediately.

Filed under: Bus, Complaints - Bus Services, Complaints - RapidKL, Feedback, Information, Planning | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Close call on Boston Subway (includes video)

Posted on November 11, 2009 by transitmy

TRANSIT mentioned yesterday on our twitter feed that we had heard of the miraculous close call on the Boston Subway.

Here is the report from the Boston Herald

T drivers hailed for ‘swift action’ (Boston Herald)

Two quick-thinking T lifesavers were hailed as heroes yesterday for bringing a barreling Orange Line train to a screeching stop inches from a drunken woman who’d fallen in its path at North Station Friday night.

Orange Line motorwoman Charice Lewis, 27, of Mattapan and Orange Line inspector Jacqueline Osorio, 29, of Dorchester were lauded by transportation secretary Jeffrey B. Mullan for their “swift, decisive action” in helping the 26-year-old Cambridge woman escape certain death around 10:24 p.m. Friday.

For more information and a video report click here

TRANSIT Says:

Kudos to the two employees of the T, Boston’s transit service. We still cannot watch that video without feeling scared. Someone in Boston is very lucky to be alive.

Filed under: News & Events | Tagged: , | Leave a Comment »

KTM Update: MPs question purchase of DMUs

Posted on November 11, 2009 by transitmy

Malaysian parliamentarians questioned the value and thinking behind the purchase of Diesel Multiple Unit trainsets at a cost of RM30 million.

Purchase of DMU trains questionable, MAAC asked to probe (Bernama)

[TRANSIT: versi Bahasa Malaysia dari Utusan di sini.]

KUALA LUMPUR Nov.10 — The Transport Ministry again became the focus of debate in the Dewan Rakyat when a number of lawmakers urged the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to investigate it over the purchase of DMU (diesel multiple unit) commuter trains at RM30 million
which they regard as odd.

Datuk Ismail Kasim (BN-Arau) who raised the issue, said the way the trains were purchased raised suspicion, as not only the trains did not follow the standards and specifications as required, the purchase was not even approved by the Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) board of directors.

“So, what is the rationale of spending RM30 on the trains when the Costa Rica and Argentina railways only bought DMUs which are 20 years old at (the equivalent of) RM10 million?” he asked.

Datuk Ahmad Hamzah (BN-Jasin) regarded the purchase of the four sets of DMU trains as strange as their speed was only 80kph. – Bernama

TRANSIT Says:

Finally! We really encourage MPs to ask as many questions as possible about public transport planning, purchases by Prasarana and KTMB etc.

Filed under: Comments on Government, Complaints - KTM, Feedback, Information, KTM Komuter, News & Events | Tagged: , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

The New Brickfields

Posted on November 11, 2009 by transitmy

TRANSIT will discuss the proposed changes to the Brickfields neighbourhood in this page.

Ramps to ease congestion (Streets-NST)

5 new ramps will be built connecting Jalan Syed Putra to Jalan Tun Sambanthan in Brickfields - image courtesy of the Federal Territories Ministry

5 new ramps will be built connecting Jalan Syed Putra to Jalan Tun Sambanthan in Brickfields - image courtesy of the Federal Territories Ministry

click here for a larger view of the above map.

01/10
Residents: Why weren’t we consulted? (Streets-NST)

11/11
Brickfields residents offer alternative solutions to mayor (NST – Streets)

12/11 

TRANSIT Says:

Construction on the flyover at Jalan Travers and Jalan Bangsar is already happening. And while we at TRANSIT are not really happy with this traffic dispersal project, we can see the benefits of some of the infrastructure.

Imagine if the ramps that connect KL Sentral to Jalan Bangsar, Jalan Tun Sambanthan and Jalan Syed Putra were for public transport vehicles (buses) only! That would do so much for reducing congestion in Brickfields and in KL because it would direct the long distance bus services off of Jalan Tun Sambanthan and directly to the highway.

If the ramps were combined with bus lanes and a new bus rapid transit service like Instanbul’s Metrobus, it would have an amazing effect, reducing traffic congestion in Brickfields and improving public transport access to the highways.

Filed under: Comments on Government, Comments on Planning, Feedback, Information, Planning, Universal Design | Tagged: , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Selangor government proposes Klang Valley Transport Council in 2010 Budget

Posted on November 11, 2009 by transitmy

TRANSIT took note of the announcement from the Selangor government that it is proposing a Klang Valley Transport Council to improve public transport in the Klang Valley and much of the state.

(113) Projek kelima iaitu meningkatkan kemudahan infrastruktur terutamanya sistem pengangkutan awam. Sebagaimana kita sedia maklum Lembah Klang kini mengalami kesesakan jalan raya yang kritikal di mana kesannya pengguna jalanraya terpaksa menghabiskan banyak masa di atas jalan raya.

Dalam hal ini, Kerajaan Negeri Selangor mensasarkan supaya nisbah penggunaan kereta individu berbanding dengan sistem pengangkutan awam dikurangkan daripada nisbah 90:10 sekarang kepada 50:10. Saya telah membincangkan perkara ini bersama dengan Menteri Pengangkutan dan menyerahkan “Wish List” Rakyat Selangor kepada beliau.

Ianya mengandungi cadangan penubuhan sebuah Lembaga Pengangkutan Klang Valley (Klang Valley Transport Council) bagi mengatasi masalah ini. Lembaga ini berperanan menyelaraskan proses-proses pemantauan, perancangan dan penguatkuasaan pengangkutan awam di Lembah Klang. Saya juga membangkitkan beberapa isu termasuk cadangan memperluaskan jaringan pengangkutan LRT bagi kegunaan orang ramai. Ianya merangkumi aspek penyelarasan, jaringan pengangkutan berintegrasi dan seterusnya memberi kuasa kepada Kerajaan Negeri dan kerajaan tempatan untuk menjalankan operasi tersebut kerana Kerajaaan Negeri dan kerajaan tempatan lebih memahami keadaan dan permasalahan yang wujud.

Saya juga tidak lupa membangkitkan isu pelaksanaan sistem pengangkutan bas awam seperti Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), perlunya pewujudan sistem pengangkutan bas komuniti dan penambahbaikan infrastruktur sokongan seperti laluan pejalan kaki (pedestrian walk) di Negeri Selangor.

TRANSIT Says:

As you might imagine, TRANSIT has been working for a long time to push the concept of the Public Transport Council / Transport Council for the government and the operators.

It is our belief that the creation of such a council will help coordinate public transport and help reduce the prevailing “silo mentality” that keeps government departments isolated from each other.

The challenge now is to see where this proposed Transport Council goes. The idea is a fine one, but the structure of the proposed council must also be effective.

The Council must include the presence of all 4 stakeholder groups, it has to be balanced and effective so the discussion actually leads to conclusions.

Most importantly, the Council needs to have the authority to plan the bus and LRT and rail routes and the supporting infrastructure.

That is not going to be easy to get.

In the meantime, TRANSIT will be giving our feedback to the State government and the Federal Government and Prasarana and KTMB on how this Transport Council can work effectively.

Filed under: Comments on Government, Comments on Planning, Feedback, Information, News & Events, Other Transport, Planning, on TRANSIT | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Updates #31

Posted on November 9, 2009 by transitmy

TRANSIT logo

Updates #31

1. Article: Traffic plan questioned (The Star) – 3 Pakatan Rakyat MPs in the Federal Territory are questioning traffic plans for Brickfields.

[TRANSIT: You can see slides showing the proposal here. We have covered this topic at 2 posts, in Updates #29 and a commentary when the proposal was made. As always we need your feedback.]

2. Article: Better public transportation in Kuantan (the Star) – comments on a proposal to reorganize public transport in Kuantan and construct a new bus terminal.

[TRANSIT: wait, have we heard this before? Build a new terminal and the bus service will improve....]

3. Letter: Do more for Komuter Service (NST) – Chelvan Rengasamy comments on the Komuter service and the need to buy more than the proposed 8 EMU trainsets.

4. Blog: My walkabout (OTK) – Transport Minister Ong Tee Keat comments on his recent use of the KTM Komuter service and the LRT.

[TRANSIT: We are still trying to figure out how Ong Tee Keat came up with a figure of 3.5 minute frequencies for KTM Komuter service by 2013.  To achieve this frequency level, KTMB would have to purchase at least 160-170 EMU trains and implement Automatic Train Operations.  A number of 5 minutes would require the purchase of at least 150 EMU trainsets but would not require Automatic Train Operation.]

5. Article: ‘Kuala Terengganu Central’ dibina tahun depan (Utusan) – Another “Sentral” bus terminal will be built, this time in Kuala Terengganu.

6. Letter: More encouraged to take public transport (Streets-NST) – The Putrajaya Corporation explains its proposal to get more people to use public transport.

[TRANSIT: And we can only hope that Malaysians will start changing their habits]

7. Letter: KTM, you’ve got it wrong (The Star) – A letter critical of KTMBs change in schedule for the KTM Komuter service.

Filed under: Bus, Comments on Planning, Community Shuttle Bus, Complaints - KTM, Feedback, Information, KTM Komuter, Light Rail Transit | Tagged: , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

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