Press Releases
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KTMB Ekspres Sinaran Petang (XSP6; Singapore-->Kuala Lumpur) derailment on 26 August 2006
http://www.ktmb.com.my/Article.asp?Id=1795 (news of derailment in English)
http://www.ktmb.com.my/Article.asp?Id=1796 (update of services on 27 August 2006 in English)
http://www.ktmb.com.my/Article.asp?Id=1797 (update of services on 27 August 2006 in Bahasa Melayu) -
Wednesday September 6, 12:17 PM
Police to cordon off area inside City Hall MRT station
SINGAPORE: Police cordoned off a section of the City Hall MRT station for over an hour this afternoon when an unattended briefcase was found.
The following footage was captured using a mobile phone.
This brown briefcase was left unattended on top of a donation box this afternoon.
The briefcase was opened by the police who say there was nothing suspicious inside.
They were able to find some identification documents in the briefcase and are currently trying to contact the possible owner.
The public is advised not to leave bags unattended at public places and also to report any suspicious looking items immediately to the police. - CNA /dt -
KTM - Additional Intercity svcs-Deepavali and Hari Raya Puasa 2006
http://www.ktmb.com.my/Article.asp?Id=1862 -
Anyone has the news on LTA?
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Which news?Originally posted by JansenX:Anyone has the news on LTA?
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Change of guard?Originally posted by SBS9889U:Which news? -
Never hear beforeOriginally posted by JansenX:Change of guard?
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5 Dec 2006
SMRT may buy a stake in Johor's monorail project
SMRT has offered to buy a stake in a 1.3-billion-dollar monorail project in the southern Malaysian stake of Johor.
Malaysia's New Straits Times reported this, citing the Chairman of Jalur Mudra, the Malaysian company that won the rights to build and operate the rail system.
The report said Jalur Mudra is in favour of SMRT's investment and is currently considering the proposal.
Chairman Rashidi Mohd Noor said one option is for Jalur Mudra and SMRT to operate a line from Johor to Singapore.
Copyright © 2006 MediaCorp Radio New Media Development -
Wednesday December 6, 6:17 PM
From Woodlands to Johor by train in three minutes?
SINGAPORE: Forget about the hour-long Causeway jams. In three years, Singaporeans may be able to take a train and zip across from Woodlands to Johor in less than three minutes.
SMRT and a Johor construction company are in talks to erect 3-4 km-long monorail track linking Singapore's MRT stations at Woodlands or Kranji to Johor Baru's new RM3 billion monorail system.
If the plan goes through, the monorail - for which construction is scheduled to begin next year - will be elevated across the Johor Straits and curve into the Kranji area.
A deal between SMRT Corporation and Johor transport construction company Jalur Mudra Sdn Bhd (JM) - which will build the Johor monorail - could be clinched within the "next couple of months", JM's executive director Nebojsa Novakovic told TODAY.
An SMRT spokesperson added: "We are open to various forms of partnership and are waiting for details regarding the project from Jalur Mudra Sdn Bhd for our consideration."
Among the issues that need to be ironed out will be the customs and immigrations procedures - all-seater trains have been suggested to simplify matters - as well as the structure of the deal itself.
SMRT has already submitted a letter of intent to JM, indicating that it is keen to be part of the project.
There have been no political roadblocks so far. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong had recently remarked on the "mixed signals" coming out of Johor over Singapore's participation in its mega development project.
"JM has informed the Johor State Government of SMRT's proposal and there has been no objection so far," said Mr Novakovic.
Nor will the past disputes between Singapore and Malaysia over the Causeway and a proposed bridge stand in the way, he indicated.
According to sources, SMRT has offered to take up an equity stake of up to 45 per cent in the project. However, they say the Johor State Government is likely to cap SMRT's stake at 15 per cent.
The project will be 30% owned by the Johor Baru City Council (MBJB), which will provide the land and right of way, but not money, said Mr Novakovic.
To make things simpler, this initiative will be privately funded.
"It has to be financially viable as it is politically doable. This fits very nicely into the master plan of SMRT and JM. There is no government funding from either side. So far there has been no stumbling blocks," said Mr Novakovic.
Another possibility is for JM to engage SMRT as a technology partner or business consultant.
"It's most likely to be all of the above options," said Mr Novakovic.
JM is now waiting to sign official concession agreements, after which it will try to hammer out its deal with SMRT, subject to approval from authorities.
Analysts think it's a lucrative project.
"This will be a profitable line because of the traffic. Everyday, you have 50,000 people commuting across the Causeway. With the monorail, even more people will cross the Causeway during the weekends," said a transport analyst at a foreign bank. - /dt
FACTS about the Johor Baru Monorail:
The Johor Baru monorail, which travels at a speed of 100km per hour is faster than Singapore's MRT and will be based on the "maglev" or magnetic levitation technology. In this, magnetic forces lift, propel and guide trains over an elevated guideway.
The monorail will initially serve a 13.5km stretch from the state capital to AEON Tebrau City in the proposed logistics hub. Another 50km of railway lines will be added subsequently to serve other parts of the state. The Singapore link will be about 3km-to-4km long. -
How about KTM?
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Jakarta that one alrdy dunno what happened and now come with this...
Dunno why where SMRT goes nothing can come thru -
KTM only has inter-town commuter and inter-city services. this one is intra-city rail transit system....Originally posted by SBS9889U:How about KTM? -
Thursday December 7, 8:17 PM
LTA to extend barrier-free accessibility beyond MRT/LRT stations
SINGAPORE: To make public transport more user-friendly, the Land Transport Authority is planning to extend barrier-free accessibility beyond the MRT and LRT stations.
Some $60 million will be spent over five years to upgrade road facilities, like those around the Simei MRT station.
The pilot project at Simei MRT station is just the beginning of LTA's programme to make road facilities throughout Singapore barrier-free.
The 400metre radius is a working guide based on comfortable walking distance and the barrier-free extension will depend on the facilities and the services required.
It is also working with other organisations in the vicinity to provide user-friendly features.
One example - Changi General Hospital - which has barrier free accessibility on its ground, providing a seamless route to and from the MRT station.
"We decided to start with Simei station because of its close proximity to Changi General Hospital. This is a pilot so we will do improvements along the way. When we have studied how best to do this, we will extend it along the way," said Transport Minister Raymond Lim.
The 400-metre radius will not be fixed and the barrier-free extension will depend on the facilities and the services required.
Meanwhile, the older stations within the North-South and East-West lines have been upgraded to become user-friendly and barrier-free.
The six-year project, costing more than $80 million, will be carried out at 46 MRT stations.
"I feel that it is fantastic and that the government is actually taking steps to make barrier free facility for the handicapped and the elderly. However, I feel that the handicapped and the elderly must actually justify the placement of these facilities by actually using them and coming out to take the public transport to show that, yes it is effective. Also, the able bodied can be a bit more generous and courteous by not obstructing the pavements by placing their garbage bins or potted plants along the way," said Jeremy Lim, a student.
Speaking to reporters, the Transport Minister said the LTA is assessing the effectiveness of installing platform screen doors and other safety options at MRT stations. It would then weigh it against the additional cost that may be imposed on commuters.
On the JB Monorail system, Mr Lim explained it is a commercial decision SMRT has to make and that it is awaiting details.
As for the Singapore-Kuala Lumpur air-route, he said officials from both sides would meet in mid-January to discuss the liberalisation of the air services agreement between the two countries. - CNA /dt -
Friday December 8, 8:17 PM
SMRT clarifies reports of its interest in building Johor-Singapore link
SINGAPORE: SMRT Corporation has responded to reports of it expressing interest in building a link between Johor and Singapore.
The company clarifies that what it has expressed interest in participating in is the Johor Bahru LRT project that is to be constructed in South Johor.
SMRT adds that it is open to various forms of partnership and is awaiting details of the project from Jalur Mudra, a Johor company appointed to build the planned monorail system.
SMRT says if there is a proposed construction of a link between Johor and Singapore, this should be taken up at the Government to Government level. - CNA/so -
Wednesday December 27, 8:17 PM
Train services between Singapore & Malaysia resumed since Sunday
SINGAPORE : The wet weather has also affected travel between Singapore and Malaysia.
Trains and buses to flood-hit Malaysian states had been cancelled for days leaving some travellers scrambling for alternative transport.
But KTM Berhad says train services have resumed since Christmas Eve on Sunday.
Some Singaporeans have also taken to the skies to travel to Malaysia.
But Singapore Airlines says their shuttle flights are generally in full capacity during the year-end holiday period.
Buses travelling from Singapore to Malaysian flood-hit states like Trengganu have also been grounded.
One coach operator says they have had to cancel some services and refund affected travellers - numbering some 500, both Singaporeans and Malaysians.
It is now looking at alterative routes for its coaches. - CNA /ls -
Thursday December 28, 8:17 PM
Transport companies to handle own lost and found items: LTA
SINGAPORE : The Land and Transport Authority will no longer be handling lost and found items retrieved from public transport companies in January next year.
Instead, the various bus, taxi and train operators will be directly handling all reports on lost and found properties made by their customers.
The LTA says the move will help the transport companies be more responsive to their customers' needs.
If the owners cannot be traced or the found items not claimed within three months, the transport companies may dispose the items via public auctions or the items may be donated to charity.
Passengers are advised to report any incident of lost and found items to the relevant transport companies. - CNA /ls -
Sunday December 31, 10:17 PM
Hundreds of people take part in emergency exercises on MRT trains
SINGAPORE: Hundreds of students and members of the public have taken part in emergency drills on the train network.
These drills are part of a programme that includes theory lessons to show commuters how to react in situations such as a terrorist attack.
The organisers – SMRT and government departments – plan to spend S$20,000 a year to train passengers how to spot and deal with suspicious people leaving dubious items in the trains or train stations.
The hope is that they would be the first line of defence and report incidences in such situations.
The course consists of practical and theory lessons lasting two days.
The first batch of trainees has completed their theory lessons and most of them are on the train on Sunday to carry out their practical tasks like how to stay vigilant on trains and how to respond in emergencies.
Trainees say the ultimate aim of the course is to prepare them for any civil emergencies so that they can help others by responding quickly.
The biggest drill is to learn how to evacuate a train.
Saw Phaik Hwa, President and CEO of SMRT Corporation, says that the passengers are at the frontline should an incident happen as it will take a while for the staff to get to the scene or be notified.
The theory classes are held twice a month at the SMRT headquarters and cover various types of attacks used by terrorists. - CNA/so -
Sunday January 7, 8:17 PM
Banks, transport companies work to tap cashless payment market
SINGAPORE: Public transport companies are establishing partnerships with banks in an effort to boost commuter numbers on buses, trains and taxis.
The companies aim to tap on the multi-million dollar cashless payment market.
Some two million passengers ride on the train, taxi and bus networks each day.
Apple Lee takes a cab at least seven times a week. Her credit card company, ABN AMRO, has just tied up with taxi company, ComfortDelGro, to scrap the 10 percent administrative fee that customers have to shell out when they use their credit cards to pay the taxi fees.
Ms Lee says it is an ideal option unless she is rushing for time as that would mean she has to spend extra minutes waiting for the transaction to be processed and to sign on the charge slip.
ABN AMRO wants to increase its credit card business by grabbing a slice of a market estimated to have grown 30 percent a year for ComfortDelGro for the past 10 years.
The business is said to be worth S$35 million last year.
Pamela Tan, Head, Consumer Finance, Consumer Client Segment, ABN AMRO, says: "With the partnership with ComfortDelGro, we will be able to bring in another 20,000 new customers. I believe we are projecting a minimum of 20 percent incremental in terms of revenue this year."
But the market potential is bigger. Credit card Mastercard says payment for transportation currently represents a small proportion of money spent on its card. The company adds that this means cards have a huge opportunity to expand because two years ago, Singaporean consumers spent S$14 billion on transport.
And banks are not just working with taxi companies.
Train operator SMRT wants to get more people onboard its trains and taxis by working with Citibank.
They have introduced a Citibank EZ-Link card which offers cashless payment for SMRT train and bus rides.
In turn, the bank gets access to strategic location of train stations where it plans to build 10 branches in places like Ang Mo Kio, Tampines and Jurong.
Chan Sow Han, Marketing Director, Citibank Singapore, says: "SMRT has the largest network of train stations and these stations are spread throughout all the 51 stations. This gives us natural access to the commuters out there."
Teo Chew Hoon, Vice-President, Commercial Business, SMRT Investments predicts the venture will help generate at least 20 percent of revenue for SMRT.
The train operator hopes the partnership will also help to boost the falling number of public transport users.
Ms Teo says: "The convenience, as well as the added value, would encourage the public to use public transport."
Predictions show this market is going to expand, with benefits for both businesses and savvy credit and debit card users. – CNA/so -
Friday January 12, 4:17 PM
LTA appoints external consultants to review bus and train networks
SINGAPORE: The Land Transport Authority has appointed consultants to review the public bus and train networks.
The consultants, Booz Allen Hamilton from Australia, will look at the transport structure and how the public system is regulated.
The LTA says it has appointed external consultants this time, in order to look at a full range of options like what has worked for other cities and how to improve in the system.
Last year, the Minister for Transport, Raymond Lim, announced that the LTA would conduct a review of public transport to support continued population and economic growth.
The Singapore government aims to increase the percentage of people using public transport from 63 percent to 70 percent over 10 to 15 years. - CNA /dt -
Originally posted by SMRT Buses:
The Aussies will probably say that subways are better off as a natural monopoly.
Friday January 12, 4:17 PM
[b]LTA appoints external consultants to review bus and train networks
SINGAPORE: The Land Transport Authority has appointed consultants to review the public bus and train networks.
The consultants, Booz Allen Hamilton from Australia, will look at the transport structure and how the public system is regulated.
The LTA says it has appointed external consultants this time, in order to look at a full range of options like what has worked for other cities and how to improve in the system.
Last year, the Minister for Transport, Raymond Lim, announced that the LTA would conduct a review of public transport to support continued population and economic growth.
The Singapore government aims to increase the percentage of people using public transport from 63 percent to 70 percent over 10 to 15 years. - CNA /dt [/b]
Hopefully they will recommend that TransitLink be reorganised along the lines of Transperth.
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Tuesday January 16, 10:17 PM
Singapore open to proposals on bullet train between KL and S'pore
SINGAPORE: Singapore has said it is open to proposals on a US$2.3b plan to build a bullet train rail link between Singapore and the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur as long as both countries benefit.
Transport Minister Raymond Lim was responding to questions from reporters earlier on Tuesday, at the Annual Airport Reception.
His Malaysian counterpart, Chan Kong Choy, had backed the high-speed rail project by YTL Corp on Monday, which will enable the 350-kilometre journey between KL and Singapore to be cut to just 90 minutes, compared to the seven- hour journey on the current rail service.
However, Singapore has yet to hear from YTL or the Malaysian government on this so far.
"We are open to all proposals that may benefit both countries (Singapore and Malaysia). I look forward to receiving their proposal so that we can study it and see how best to proceed," said Raymond Lim, Singapore Transport Minister.
On liberalising air services between the two countries, Mr Lim added that Singapore's Transport Ministry is now in contact with their counterparts in Malaysia to finalise the date for bilateral talks on the issue.
The talks are scheduled to take place in the first quarter of this year. - CNA/dt -
Saturday January 27, 2:17 PM
MRT services halted briefly after woman's leg trapped in gap
SINGAPORE: MRT train services between Queenstown and Jurong East were disrupted briefly on Saturday morning after a woman's leg was trapped in the gap between a train and the passengers' platform.
The incident at the Clementi MRT station happened at 8.27am.
Officers from the Singapore Civil Defence Force freed the woman's leg manually before sending the unconscious woman to the National University Hospital for treatment.
The Chinese woman, said to be about 50 years old, is believed to have fractured her left leg.
A spokesperson for the SMRT said train services resumed shortly after the incident, at 8.51am.
The SMRT has advised passengers not to rush or board trains when the doors are closing. - CNA/ir -
CNA - Train travelling from Kelantan to S'pore derails, no one injured
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/273424/1/.html
Train travelling from Kelantan to S'pore derails, no one injured
By Lip Kwok Wai/Julia Ng, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 30 April 2007 2039 hrs
Photos 1 of 1
SINGAPORE : A KTM train travelling south from Kelantan to Singapore has derailed at Bukit Merah.
No one was hurt but 64 passengers on board were held up for three hours.
The train was supposed to arrive at Tanjong Pagar Railway Station at about noon.
But just 10 minutes before completing its scheduled 13-hour journey, the train derailed.
Apparently, one of the carriages had broken down and stopped moving at Bukit Merah.
Workers found that one of the wheels on a carriage had derailed from the tracks, by some 5 centimetres.
All passengers were then evacuated.
One passenger commented, "Some (of the passengers were) very uncomfortable... because it was very hot. They switched off the aircon."
Another added, "Most of us looked outside and discovered that the train (had) derailed."
The train company said it was investigating the cause of the derailment. - CNA/ms -
Opening Of Oasis LRT Station
