KTM trains consistent maintenance

Maintenance of trains should be consistent, say commuters

THERE has been positive reaction to KTM Komuter’s service improvement, but the public reiterated that consistency in maintenance should be a priority or the procurement of the 38 sets of Electric Multiple Units (EMU) will be of no use in the long run and end up as a waste of money.

A commuter S. Bernard, who was responding to the story “Better Days ahead for Komuter Service” published in StarMetro on April 29, said it was good to see that there had been an improvement in KTM Komuter’s service over the months and that it should be a continuous effort.

“It should not be a temporary thing. There should be continuity, or it will be back to how it was before. So maintaining the effort is one big factor in upkeeping the quality,” he said.

Another reader, who wished to known only as Mani, said purchasing the 38 EMUs was a big and expensive step in improving the Komuter service and it was commendable.

He said KTM Komuter should learn from their past mistakes and pay more attention to proper maintenance.

“It is basically a second chance, but it will be of no use if the new trains are not properly maintained.

“It will be history repeating itself and we do not want that because there is a lot of money involved,” he said.

Meanwhile, S. Henry who has been in the locomotive industry for over 30 years, said maintenance was a big issue and without it, any purchase of trains would be a waste of money.

Henry pointed out that attitude and work culture also played an important role in maintenance.

“Train operators should possess the right attitude and understanding towards maintenance,” said Henry.

“Otherwise, it will be the same case all over again, where trains end up in the workshop and stay inactive until the next revival effort,” he added.

~News courtesy of The Star~