Abstract
The ever increasing problems faced by population around the world have made demands that transportation need to be improved as an effective and efficient communication means. It is considered as a necessity especially when rapid development and economic growth of a country is the agenda. Among the transportation modes being focused as critical facilities are the bus system, rail system, road network, shipping system and air transportation system. Rail transport is a means of conveyance of passengers and goods by way of wheeled vehicles running on rail tracks. In Malaysia, the railway network has evolved tremendously since its inception in the early 19th century. It has grown proportionally with the national development. Railway network does not only mean for rural transportation, but it also considered as a solution to urban congestion challenges. Currently, urban rail transit is the most popular means of urban transportation system especially as big cities such as Kuala Lumpur. This paper presents the definition of rail transportation system and its role in urban or sub-urban operation. It also describes the brief history of world railway transportation including a discussion on Malaysian rail history perspective. As policy and standard are important in operating a railway system, this paper also illustrates and discusses some elements which have an impact on the effectiveness and efficiency of train operation. Towards the end, this paper also shares the importance of railway safety based on real case studies around the world. Thus, it is hoped that this paper will enable the public to understand the rail transit development and appreciate its existence as a public transportation system.
Highlights
Rail services have become a significant mode of public transportation in the world when engineers and planners were not able to reduce congestions in cities. [4] Many options were being considered in the last decades to enhance mobility among the city population
[7] The rail transportation in Malaysia started as a commodity transporter and later developed into an intercity train service
Rail transit development in Malaysia has started on a busier approach whereby it was meant to transport tin ores and raw commodities
Summary
Rail services have become a significant mode of public transportation in the world when engineers and planners were not able to reduce congestions in cities. [4] Many options were being considered in the last decades to enhance mobility among the city population. The evolution of train services has currently continued quite rapidly with the introduction of the Express Rail Link service (ERL) between Kuala Lumpur and KLIA which is known as KLIA Ekspres This is considered as Malaysia’s first high-speed train system as it is reported to operate at a speed of more than 150 km/hr. Malaysia is currently planning to construct a high-speed train system and service between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore which will operate at a maximum speed of 300 km/hr and stops at least at 4 stations for a journey of around 400km This plan is yet to be finalised by the Malaysian government through its transportation planning agency, SPAD (Suruhanjaya Pengangkutan Awam Darat). The train driver lodged a report at the Kuala Muda district police headquarters because of the incident
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
