![[UPDATED] ECRL to proceed without changes: Loke](https://media.thevibes.com/images/uploads/covers/_large/06122022_-_Majlis_Lapor_Diri_Menteri_Pengangkutan__Anthony_Loke_di_Kementerian_Pengangkutan_Putrajaya_-_2.jpg)
KUALA LUMPUR – The contentious East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project will proceed without any changes, said Transport Minister Anthony Loke.
He added that the massive rail project is among those under his ministry that will continue despite the change of government.
He said this after clocking in at the ministry in Putrajaya today.
Aside from ECRL, Loke said improvement of public transport service digitalisation and road safety will be among the key agendas his ministry will focus on.
He added that he would look into having additional trains during peak hours to reduce traffic congestion but the matter will be first discussed with Prasarana Malaysia Bhd.
Loke, however, said he would listen to what Prasarana had planned to improve the public transportation system, specifically the Light Rail Transit (LRT).
“Of course, I myself would want to have additional trains to increase the frequency during peak hours but do we have the system to accommodate this increase?”
Loke said he had seen firsthand the issues faced by commuters during peak hours following his surprise visit to the Kelana Jaya LRT line yesterday.
The Seremban MP yesterday spent two hours on the LRT incognito.
“It’s easy to say just increase the train frequencies but it must be backed up with adequate technical support (by the operator).
“So I don’t want to jump to any conclusions and make a hasty announcement of what can be done to address the issue without first understanding the technical challenges behind issues that we’re facing.”
He also said that the government is committed to assist Prasarana in any issues it faces in efforts to improve the public transportation system.
More than 300,000 commuters rely on the LRT services provided by Prasarana in their daily travel including for work.
However, the LRT service has been marred with breakdowns over the years.
The most recent breakdown took place from November 8 to 13, as 16 stations along the Kelana Jaya LRT line were shut down due to problems with the automatic train control. – The Vibes, December 6, 2022
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