‘Screen doors at platforms will enhance rail safety'

More measures, such as increasing patrols and better passenger flow management at platforms, are needed to improve safety at train stations. — Filepic
Experts also call for reserve buses, better communication during service disruptions
PUBLIC transport experts have welcomed the directive by Transport Minister Anthony Loke for screen doors to be installed at all train station platforms.
They also made suggestions to improve service based on their expertise and experience travelling in foreign countries.
The directive came following the death of a foreign national who fell onto the train tracks at the Pusat Bandar Puchong LRT station on June 3.
A visually impaired man suffered the same fate after falling onto railway tracks and was struck by a train at the Titiwangsa LRT station in Kuala Lumpur in February this year.
Kuala Lumpur-based transport consultant Ernest Wong, who uses the LRT service daily for work, told StarMetro that platform screen doors would not only ensure commuters' safety but also minimise train disruptions by preventing intrusions onto the tracks.
'More auxiliary police officers and station staff should also patrol the platforms to help deter commuters from stepping beyond the safety line drawn on the floor,' he said.
Wong also suggested that authorities employ laser intrusion detection systems on train platforms such as the one used at the Millennium Line in Vancouver, Canada.
The system, he said, could detect intruders on platforms and foreign objects or debris on the tracks.
'However, one possible downside of this technology is that false alarms could be triggered quite often,' added Wong.
Rail architect Ken Chin called for the placement of emergency stop buttons on rail platforms to halt approaching trains in the event obstructions are found on the tracks.
'Passenger flow management on the platforms, especially during peak hours where they could be very crowded, should also be improved,' he added.
The June 3 tragedy caused disruption to the LRT services between the Bandar Puteri, Taman Perindustrian Puchong, Pusat Bandar Puchong and IOI Puchong Jaya stations for over two hours.
Rapid KL had offered bus bridging services for commuters during the disruption period.
However, some netizens claimed they waited two hours for the buses, but none came.
Wong urged rail service operators to ensure that they have sufficient reserve buses to be deployed to the stations during such disruptions.
'The Transport Ministry should also establish an enforcement mechanism to keep operators accountable for disruptions caused by non-performance so that people will have more confidence in using public transport,' he added.
Chin said train service operators should communicate clearly with commuters on service disruptions to alleviate their concerns.
'Important information such as the estimated delay period and availability of alternative routes should be promptly communicated to passengers,' he said.

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