It has been noted yesterday (June 8) that there was a disruption of KTM services caused by two incidents.

First a cargo train derailed between Kuala Lumpur station and Bank Negara station on Monday, severely disrupting services.

Derailed cargo train disrupts KTM Commuter services (Malay Mail)

Monday, June 7th, 2010

KUALA LUMPUR: KTM Commuter services in the city were disrupted this morning when a cargo train on its way to Ipoh from Port Klang, derailed near Bank Negara here.

According to KTM’s acting Corporate Communications manager Mohd Fazli Ismail when contacted, services are expected to resume by 2pm, once clearing works on the track are completed.

The incident was reported at 12.50am and no casualties were reported while investigations to find out the cause of the derailment was underway, he said.

A statement from KTM Bhd said KTM Intercity services and the Kuala Lumpur-Ipoh-Kuala Lumpur shuttle service would also be affected.

For more information and details, passengers are advised to contact KTM Berhad’s customer service at 1-300-88-5682.

In the second incident, a power shutdown at the Port Klang junction meant that EMU trains could not enter KL Sentral. KTM Komuter responded by cutting back services on the Port Klang-Sentul line at Angkasapuri, and introducing shuttle trains.

At this time, the power shutdown has been resolved, but the rectification works and repairs at the site of the derailment will take a few more days to complete.

Trains run but with delays (NST)

8 June 2010

KUALA LUMPUR: Those using the KTM Komuter service should expect a 30-minute delay on all routes this week.

KTM Bhd corporate communications unit issued a statement to say that the disruption in its services, caused by a derailed cargo train near Bank Negara, was expected to last for at least a few more days.

The good news is operations at all stations, resumed yesterday at 3.30pm, including Sentul station, which was closed following Sunday’s midnight incident.

“Komuter services for all routes have resumed but there will be a delay as only one track is used because repair works between Kuala Lumpur and Bank Negara are still in progress.

“The two containers which are still at the site will be removed tonight (yesterday).

“We apologise for any inconvenience caused,” the statement read.

Yesterday, hundreds of commuters were stranded near the Mid Valley station when the train stopped during the morning rush hour. The train is believed to have run into technical problems. Further information was not available at press time.

During Sunday’s midnight incident, a cargo train on its way to Ipoh from Port Klang, derailed near Bank Negara.

Three of the five cargo containers involved in the derailment were removed on Monday night.

“Work on the site has been progressing well. Apart from the track and fallen containers, damaged electric cables will also have to be replaced or repaired,” said the statement.

The follow up for Wednesday on all KTMB services:

Disrupted KTM Services Expected To Resume Soon

KUALA LUMPUR, June 9 (Bernama) - KTM Commuter services that were disrupted Monday when a KTMB cargo train derailed near Bank Negara on Sunday, has yet to return to normal.

KTMB in a statement today said the Rawang-Seremban service would be terminated at the Kepong station and passengers would be required to use the Salak Selatan shuttle train service to continue their journey to Seremban.

The Seremban-Rawang service would be terminated at the Salak Selatan station and passengers are required to take the shuttle train to the Kepong Station and resume their journey using the KTM Commuter service to Rawang.

The Port Klang-Sentul service would be terminated at the Angkasapuri station and passengers would be required to board trains to their respective destinations at the station while passengers using the Sentul-Port Klang service would be required to use the shuttle train to Petaling and continue their journey to Port Klang.

Apart from KTM Commuter services, the KTMB statement said KTM Inter-city service, Kuala Lumpur-Ipoh-Kuala Lumpur shuttle service, would also face delays due to the incident.

During the Sunday midnight incident, a cargo train on its way to Ipoh from Port Klang, derailed near Bank Negara.

The statement added that all five cargo containers involved in the derailment were removed last night.

"Work on the site has been progressing well. Apart from the track and fallen containers, damaged electric cables will also be required to be replaced or repaired. An announcement will be made once work is completed," said the statement.

For more information, the public are advised to contact KTM Berhad's customer service at 1-300-88-5682.

On Thursday, KTM Komuter service disrupted along two stretches since Monday following the derailment of a goods train was restored at 11am Thursday, according to KTM Berhad.

Metzelder says: I am concerned with KTMB personnel’s response during the incidents. There were no updates on the @ktmkomuter twitter feed upon 15 minutes*, as expected by public. KTM Komuter did post clear and detailed updates later on but they have to get to that standard of 15 minutes.

*The 15 minute standard for twitter updates has become a de facto protocol for communication of information during delays on public transport.

Second, as you can see from the image above, there did not appear to be clear direction from KTMB personnel on the ground so that passengers who exited the train were given clear instructions on where to walk. This may seem like a minor detail, but paying attention to these minor details is what makes for good service.

The Malay Mail has also covered the disruption to KTM Komuter services in their evening edition Wednesday, including complaints and expressions of anger from KTM Komuter passengers.