[UPDATED] Commuters left frustrated as LRT faces delays again

KUALA LUMPUR – Passengers along the Kelana Jaya LRT line had to endure long queues and waiting times as a train that was servicing the line was pulled out of operation due to a technical issue.

In a statement, Rapid Rail Sdn Bhd said the disruption occurred after the Platform Intrusion Emergency Stop (PIES) was suddenly activated. It was suspected to be due to a lightning strike at the Kerinchi station.

This caused trains from both directions to be unable to move along that section.

In an update later at night, Rapid Rail said repair works have been completed and that services resumed normal operations as of 10pm. 

“All trains that pass through the Kerinchi station are now operating automatically and normally in both directions,” it said. 

“Our engineers will continue to monitor the (PIES) system’s stability in the affected area.”

Earlier, soon after the disruption, the LRT operator had said that all trains that passed through the area were forced to be driven manually. This caused delays and congestion on the platform at several stations.

It added that free feeder bus services are being provided between the Pasar Seni station and Bangsar station, as well as between Pasar Seni and KLCC.

Earlier, Rapid KL had posted on Twitter that as of 7pm, the frequency of trains at a number of stations between Kerinchi and Ampang Park had been slowed down by about eight minutes.

When the problem was first recognised at about 5.20pm, Rapid KL had told the public via its social media accounts that delays could be up to 15 minutes.

“Thank you for your patience, and we apologise for the inconvenience caused,” it said.

On Twitter, several users expressed their frustration at having to wait long to board a train, many also sharing pictures of the congested situation at some of the stations.

A user who goes by the name @overtherainbow said some commuters waited for over an hour at the Dang Wangi station, and that the 15-minute interval during peak hours does not make sense. 

Wait more than 40mins... Passenger from a 2 coach train being halau and flood the station... another 2 trains come later but all full.... Can increase the interval? 15min interval at peak hours doesn't make sense. pic.twitter.com/IWwq9sLLvn

— ??Overtherainbow?️‍? (@Overthe74308901) November 29, 2022

@aimirabiha commented: “What is this Rapid, people are going home from work. Since morning the issue is not settled yet?”

Apa benda ni rapid orang nak balik kerja. Dsri pagi tak setel setel lagi ke? Biol la pic.twitter.com/llo6MLQVMh

— Aimi Rabiha (@aimirabiha) November 29, 2022

Another user @calyda91 shared a couple of photos of a crowded KL Sentral station at 6.25pm, with an accompanying caption that reads: “Hello CEO RapidKL, have you guys left work?”

KL Sentral 6.25pm.

Helo CEO RapidKL.
Dah balik keje ke tu? pic.twitter.com/pU7VP6Yh9l

— KO (@calyda91) November 29, 2022

Meanwhile, @anuaqqq posted that he has been waiting for an hour to board the train, but has yet to see any improvement in the service. 

Dah sejam cakap train gantian akan digunakan tapi takde perubahan pun. Buat kerja cepat sikit boleh tak? Mmg KPI korang kena dimaki baru boleh hidup ke babi babi sekalian. Dari 10 minit jadi 15 minit. Hujan pulak Grab lagi naik rege la babi. Aduh babi betul

— Nuar (@anuaqqq) November 29, 2022

“Can you do your job faster? Is it part of your KPIs to get cursed first before you (can do your work)? From 10 minutes to 15 minutes. To add to that, it’s raining, and Grab will be costlier.”

@kekwasibunga uploaded two videos showing long lines at the Pasar Seni MRT-LRT station, claiming that the queue for the LRT dragged as long as to the MRT station. 

Interchange MRT to LRT pasar seni. Dr toilet MRT sudah beratur nk ke LRT ?? pic.twitter.com/RO8TrLQDxa

— Turner (@kekwasibunga) November 29, 2022

Today’s disruption comes less than a month after RapidRail suspended LRT services for 16 stations between Kelana Jaya and Ampang Park for a week, citing technical issues. – The Vibes, November 29, 2022