The Kuala Lumpur monorail system in Malaysia opened August 31, 2003, and serves 11 stations running 8.6 km with two parallel elevated tracks. It connects Kuala Lumpur's main station KL Sentral with the "Golden Triangle ". It was built for RM1.18 billion by KL Infrastructure Group Berhad (KL Infra) that holds a 40-year concession to operate the monorail. The monorail carriages themselves were built by a Malaysian company.

Stations

The stations starting from north to south are given to the left. [1]

Ridership

The ridership has increased from 341,850 passengers in September 2003 to 1.18 million passengers in August 2004. A ride runs about RM 1.20-RM 2.50 which takes passengers to popular spots in the heart of the city.

As of early 2004, the trains themselves are very small and overcrowded at peak times. The station platforms are much longer than the trains, implying future expansion is possible. At present the trains have only two carriages.

Financial performance

For the financial year ending 30 April 2004, KL Infra posted a net loss of Rm46.24 million on a RM15.08 million revenue. [2]

Accidents

David Chelia

Prior to the opening of the KL Monorail an accident occurred involving a safety wheel from a train falling off and hitting a pedestrian walking under the monorail viaduct. The victim, Mr. David Chelia, a journalist by profession, suffered injuries that required hospitalisation. The matter was settled out of court under undisclosed terms.

The monorail company reported that any such accident was "unlikely" as 6 bolts would have to be removed for it to occur. Furthermore a check of all 23 other safety wheels on the train involved did not turn up any other issues.

As a result of this accident, the launching of the monorail was postponed.

See also

• Kuala Lumpur Putra Light Rail Transit
• Kuala Lumpur Star Light Rail Transit

External link

• KL Monorail official site.