Penang Govt, MRT Corp Exploring Low- to Medium-Capacity LRT System
GEORGE TOWN: The Penang government, together with Mass Rapid Transit Corp Sdn Bhd (MRT Corp) are exploring a ‘low- to medium-capacity’ system for the Penang Mutiara Line Light Rail Transit (LRT) project. State Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said the procurement board of the Ministry of Transport will choose the type under the LRT system based on passenger projections and the state’s needs. “When we talk about LRT, many people imagine an LRT line like the Kelana Jaya LRT Line, which is a high-capacity medium which can accommodate 15,000 to 30,000 passengers per hour one way but this system is not suitable for Penang,” he said. “Such a line is too high-capacity for Penang. We will choose a scalable system where we can start with a frequency of approximately 2-car trains so that when we want to add in the future, we can put 3- or 4-car trains,” he added. Zairil said the selection of the appropriate mode of transport would be decided in line with the projected needs of passengers and the cost of development and operation in proportion to financial ability. In order to optimise infrastructure development costs, he also mentioned that the government is considering modular construction taking into account current and future needs. According to Zairil, the detailed design for the construction of the LRT takes into account the use of sufficient electricity resources with each station being connected to a Traction Power Substation (TPSS) which will supply electricity to the train system later. The LRT project, comprising an estimated length of 29km, with 20 stations includes 2 interchange stations at Komtar Station and Penang Sentral Station, is expected to start in September or October this year. With regard to the implementation of the National Information Dissemination Centre (NADI), Zairil said that so far, 3 NADIs have been operating in Penang namely in Sungai Pinang, Tasek Gelugor and Taman Prestij while another 11 have been completed in Permatang Pasir, Seberang Jaya, Perai, Bukit Tengah, Machang Bubuk, Berapit, Sungai Bakap, Pengkalan Kota, Komtar, Pulau Betong and Bertam. He said that 10 NADIs are expected to be completed on May 31 in Bagan Dalam, Bagan Jermal, Pinang Tunggal, Sungai Dua, Sungai Acheh, Air Putih, Ait Itam, Bayan Lepas, Pulau Tikus and Batu Maung. — BERNAMA
