Penang Mutiara LRT line alignment finalised, discussion with contractor ongoing, says Loke

 Source: The Star

GEORGE TOWN: The alignment for the Penang Mutiara Light Rail Transit (LRT) Project has been finalised and discussions with the main contractor are currently underway, says Anthony Loke.

Expressing hope that physical work on the project could start before the end of the year, the Transport Minister said the finalised alignment was as proposed by Mass Rapid Transit Corp Sdn Bhd (MRT Corp).

"The alignment was finalised after various discussions with all parties, and the Penang government agreed with the alignment proposed by MRT Corp, with the passenger station starting from Bayan Lepas to Komtar and one line to Butterworth (Penang Sentral).

"Pulau Silikon serves as a depot. Now we are discussing and evaluating with the main contractor, hoping that physical works can start before the end of the year as scheduled," he told reporters after opening the Seafarers and Lighthouse Day at Straits Quay on Saturday (June 29).

On March 29, Loke announced that the federal government had taken over the Penang LRT project from the state government, with MRT Corp appointed as the developer and asset owner.

Meanwhile, commenting on the development of the Penang International Airport (LTAPP) expansion works in Bayan Lepas, Loke said the tender for the first package has closed, and Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) is selecting the contractors.

The expansion project involves three packages, with the first package involving shifting the control tower and increasing the capacity of the terminal from 6.5 million passengers a year to 12 million passengers a year.

Loke previously stated that the project, which started this year, is expected to be completed within three to four years and will be financed by MAHB through a financial mechanism agreed upon between the Finance Ministry and MAHB. - Bernama

Penang finalizes Mutiara LRT alignments, construction to start soon

 Source: Penang Property News

Penang finalizes Mutiara LRT alignments, construction to start soon

Property News/25 June 2024Leave a comment/中文版

The Penang state government has selected the best alignment for the Penang Mutiara Line Light Rail Transit (LRT) project, as proposed by Mass Rapid Transit Corp Sdn Bhd (MRT Corp). This decision was confirmed by Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow during a press conference at his office in Komtar. The state government sent a confirmation letter to the Transport Ministry two weeks ago, solidifying their agreement with the proposed alignment.

Chief Minister Chow stated that the chosen alignment aligns closely with their original plan, albeit with some modifications. Notably, the original LRT line did not include an extension to Penang Sentral in Butterworth. The new alignment begins at Silicon Island and connects Penang Sentral to the Macallum area in George Town, enhancing future connectivity to other lines.

MRT Corp has since discarded other proposed alignments, focusing solely on this selected route. With all critical decisions made, the project is now in the open tender phase. Construction is set to commence once the tender process is finalized.

The Transport Ministry officially assumed control of the Penang LRT project following Cabinet approval on March 22. SRS Consortium Sdn Bhd has been appointed to build the first segment of the project, with construction anticipated to begin in September.

Mutiara Line sched not affected by amendment, says MRT boss

Source: The Star

GEORGE TOWN: The construction of the Mutiara Line, Penang’s first light rail transit (LRT) project, will go according to schedule despite a minor amendment to the original plan, says Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) Corp chief executive officer Datuk Mohd Zarif Hashim (pic).

He said the project would be carried out on time and that there was no need for the resubmission of the environmental impact assessment (EIA).

“The slight amendment to the track is meant to accommodate the line extended to Penang Sentral on the mainland from Penang island via an elevated track above the sea.

“Once we have updated the data on the LRT alignment, we will need to engage all the relevant agencies through workshops. The amended alignment, once finalised, will then be provided as an addendum for the necessary approval.

“All these will be done in the next three months. The main component of the alignment is still intact,” he said after giving Bayan Baru MP Sim Tze Tzin a briefing on the RM10bil project during the North Zone Madani Rakyat programme at the Sungai Nibong Pesta site yesterday.

According to earlier reports, the Penang government had planned to hold a workshop with stakeholders to finalise the Penang LRT Mutiara Line project, following minor amendments to the original plan.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the workshop was expected to be held within a week or two, so that further work involving the transformative infrastructure project could be carried out.

In the latest report released by MRT Corp, the alignment will begin from Penang Sentral on Penang mainland to the proposed first station on Penang island – Macallum.

From Macallum, it will pass through Komtar, Jalan Gurdwara, Solok Sungai Pinang, Sungai Pinang and Jelutong Timur, all the way to Silicon Island.

Two proposed stations – Bandar Sri Pinang and Sky Cab – along Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway, which were seen in the original plan, have since been omitted.

Current Alignment of the Mutiara LRT Line, formerly known as the Bayan Lepas LRT Line. It includes an extension at Penang Sentral in Butterworth.

Former alignment of the Bayan Lepas LRT Line. The line starts from Komtar, then to Macallum before continuing to the next 2 stations, which are omitted in the current alignment, before heading to Silicon Island.

新柔地鐵工程已完成約三分之二 2026年底通車

李庚洧

發佈 /2024年1月11日 09:00 AM

新柔地鐵系統目前已完成約三分之二的建造工程，2026年12月底通車後，將大大改善新加坡和柔佛的銜接性，協助舒緩新柔長堤的擁堵情況。

2021年動工興建的新柔地鐵系統（簡稱RTS）星期四（1月11日）慶祝重要里程碑，銜接新馬跨海高架軌道的鋼筋混凝土結構已建好，把兩國分別負責承建的橋墩正式銜接起來。

新加坡和馬來西亞多名政要出席活動，包括（臺上左起）馬來西亞交通部長陸兆福、首相安華、新加坡總理李顯龍和代交通部長兼財政部高級政務部長徐芳達。（何家俊攝）

李顯龍總理與馬來西亞首相安華在柔佛海峽中央會面，共同見證新柔地鐵跨海高架軌道完成銜接。兩人也在儀式上籤署紀念牌匾，象徵兩國完成跨境地鐵項目的共同承諾，進一步改善新馬的銜接性。

兩國多名政要也出席活動，包括我國外交部長維文醫生、貿工部長顏金勇、國家發展部長李智陞、代交通部長兼財政部高級政務部長徐芳達，以及內政部兼國家發展部政務部長費紹爾副教授；馬國政要包括柔佛州務大臣翁哈菲茲、交通部長陸兆福、經濟部長拉菲茲、內政部長賽夫丁、外交部長莫哈末哈山、以及財政部第二部長阿米爾韓查。

銜接跨海高架軌道的鋼筋混凝土結構 去年12月底完工

新柔地鐵系統全長四公里，在新加坡範圍興建的部分目前已完成約三分之二的土木基礎設施工程，馬國範圍的工程截至去年底也完成約65％。

銜接新馬跨海高架軌道的鋼筋混凝土結構長17.1米、重340公噸，橫跨馬國和新加坡分別負責建造的第47和第48橋墩，於去年12月底完工。

根據新馬兩國交通部聯合發佈的文告，這個銜接結構是在距離海面超過26米的橋墩上方、搭建臨時支撐結構建造。支撐結構由鋼樑和液壓千斤頂（hydraulic jacks）組成，在安裝完畢並精確對齊後，才把銜接結構降至指定位置。

這項海上工程頗具挑戰性，工程團隊須長時間日曬雨淋，在強風中完成精確的安裝工作。工程師也必須時刻密切監督工程，確保工程能安全且及時地展開。

新方負責建造的高架軌道總長730米，將銜接至通往兀蘭北站的隧道，其中530米橫跨柔佛海峽興建。我國陸路交通管理局說，在新加坡範圍內興建的高架軌道樁基的12個樁承臺（pile cap）已全部建好，接下來就可以開始興建高架軌道。

在土木工程完工後，由SMRT企業和馬來西亞國家基礎建設公司（Prasarana）合資成立的新柔地鐵運營公司RTS Operations，將接手安裝地鐵系統。

兀蘭北站和武吉查卡站 讓通關乘客“一地兩檢”

新柔地鐵系統（RTS）通車後，兀蘭北站和新山武吉查卡站都將採用“一地兩檢”概念，乘客出發時可一次過辦理出發地出境和目的地入境手續。圖爲正在施工中的武吉查卡站。（葉振忠攝）

新柔地鐵通車後，乘客可從湯申—東海岸地鐵線的兀蘭北站，搭乘新柔地鐵到柔佛新山的武吉查卡站（Bukit Chagar）。兩站之間的車程約五分鐘，每小時單向可接載多達1萬人次。

兀蘭北站和武吉查卡站都採用“一地兩檢”概念，乘客出發時可一次過辦理出發地出境和目的地入境手續，下車後無須再通關。

（視頻由馬來西亞捷運公司和新加坡陸交局提供）

New 273 Series Train for JR's Yakumo Limited Express from 6th April 2024

Source: https://www.jr-odekake.net/railroad/yakumo/

Introduction

As the 381 Series running on JR West's Limited Express Yakumo service between Okayama and Izumoshi stations in Shimane Prefecture have been operating since 1982 and is retiring this June, it is going to be replaced by the 273 Series from 6th April this year onwards.

An artist’s impression of the Limited Express Yakumo running past Mount Daisen in Tottori Prefecture

According to JR West's Odekake website special page, it shows that the 381 series had been running since the JNR era and is going to be replaced due to aging equipment. Also, the fact that its operation spans three Japanese eras of Showa, Heisei, and Reiwa and the last surviving JNR Era limited express rolling stock is what invokes nostalgia among train otakus.

One reason why JR West decided to introduce a new rolling stock for the Yakumo limited express service is that the newer 273 series will offer a smoother ride around the route's many curves, as the 381 series is infamous for plaguing passengers with motion sickness due to their considerable tilt on curved sections along the route. 

The 381 series is designed to travel on curved sections without needing to slowing down by tilting inward to suppress centrifugal force, causing a wide, slow shaking side to side, causing the passengers to get trainsick because of the constant tilting and swinging. 

Route Map of the Yakumo Limited Express

Future operation plans of the renewal rolling stocks of the Yakumo limited express:

About the new 273 Series Yakumo limited express

The new rolling utilises "natural pendulum system with on-board control" (Japanese: 車上型の制御付自然振り子方式) technology jointly developed by JR West, the Railway Technical Research Institute, and Kawasaki Heavy Industries. Unlike the 381 series which relies on natural centrifugal force for tilting, the 273 series tilts optimally to improve passenger comfort*.

*Motion sickness evaluation index improved by up to 23%

Due to its appearance, the new rolling stock is officially nicknamed "Yakumo Bronze (やくもブロンズ)" due to the fact that is respect the nature, scenery, culture, and history of the area along the towns where the train is run. The livery of the train is a represention of different icons of the San'in region, which is the deep golden color of the sunset over Lake Shinji, the golden color of the tatara ironworks, the bronze color of the torches of the Daisen Summer Opening Festival, and the shakudo of the red tiled townscape. Also, the designer of this train is Yasuyuki Kawanishi, who also designed West Express Ginga and Setsugekka sightseeing trains. 

Interior layout of 273 series

The following diagrams are the interior layout for the new 273 series

Car 1

Car 2

Car 3

Car 4

Facilities

Baggage Space

Washroom

Seating on board 273 series Yakumo

Ordinary Reserved Seating 普通車指定席: Seating formation in the ordinary carriages will be in rows of four in a 2 + 2 configuration, and the seats will be colored green as a reflection of the green mountains dotted along the train’s route.

Green Car グリーン車指定席: The warm colors from the exterior continue in the first class green cars which will have yellow seating in rows of three in a 1 + 2 pattern.

Semi Compartment グループ席: Comes with tables of 4 or tables of 2, so that families/groups can face one another while enjoying the views from large windows with foldable tables and side partitions to enhance privacy. 

References:

(in Japanese) 381 系特急やくも「リバイバル塗装車両」の今後の運行計画について. (n.d.). https://www.westjr.co.jp/press/article/items/231215_00_press_381yakumo.pdf 

Honolulu Star-Advertiser. (2024, January 25). Express train tuned up to reduce motion sickness. Advertiser. https://www.staradvertiser.com/2024/01/25/news/express-train-tuned-up-to-reduce-motion-sickness/ 

New Limited Express yakumo train designs revealed. Japan Station. (2023, March 21). https://www.japanstation.com/new-limited-express-yakumo-train-designs-revealed/ 

NEWS: JB-Singapore RTS Link progress on track, says MRT Corp CEO

 Source: Free Malaysia Today

The 4km RTS Link was 65% complete as of Dec 31, 2023, surpassing the target of 57%.

Danish Raja Reza and Ameer Fakhri - 11 Jan 2024, 10:30am

JOHOR BAHRU: The Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link is on track to be completed as scheduled by December 2026, says Mass Rapid Transit Corporation Sdn Bhd (MRT Corp).

MRT Corp CEO Mohd Zarif Hashim stressed the importance of the company’s subsidiary, Malaysia Rapid Transit System Sdn Bhd, adhering to the timeline agreed on by the two nations.

“The completion of the connecting span is a pivotal moment in the overall progress of the RTS Link, as it brings together the marine viaduct of both countries,” he told reporters in an interview.

The 4km RTS Link was 65% complete as of Dec 31, 2023, surpassing the target of 57%. It connects two stations: Bukit Chagar in Johor Bahru and Woodlands North in Singapore.

At the commemoration ceremony of the completion of the connecting span of the RTS Link this morning, transport minister Loke Siew Fook said that the project had reached 68% completion.

Zarif also highlighted the project’s significance in enhancing the nation’s transportation system by establishing a seamless cross-border infrastructure to better serve the people.

He thanked Putrajaya and the Johor government for their assistance and support in realising the RTS Link.

It was previously reported that the project was expected to pull in 35% of the 350,000 people who travel across the Causeway daily.

Currently, a cross-border shuttle bus journey to Singapore from the customs, immigration, and quarantine complex at the Sultan Iskandar building ranges from 45 minutes to four hours, depending on traffic conditions.

With the RTS link, Zarif aims to slash travel time to just 15 minutes.

“The 15 minutes start from the point when you arrive at Bukit Chagar station until you reach Woodlands North station,” he added.

The light rail link will cater to up to 10,000 commuters per hour per direction during peak periods. It will be operated by RTS Operations Pte Ltd, a joint venture between Prasarana Malaysia Bhd and SMRT Corporation Ltd of Singapore.

Map of RTS Link

More about JB Singapore RTS Link:

granny2003. (2020, August 18). JB Singapore RTS Link to be completed by 2026. https://eatdrinksleepwakeuprepeat.blogspot.com/2020/08/jb-singapore-rts-link-to-be-completed.html 

(in Malay) Othman, E. (2024, January 11). Malaysia-singapura Rasmi Titik pertemuan jejambat Marin Projek RTS Link. MalaysiaGazette. https://malaysiagazette.com/2024/01/11/malaysia-singapura-rasmi-titik-pertemuan-jejambat-marin-projek-rts-link/ 

(in Malay) BERITA Mediacorp. (22 Jan 2021). Singapura mulakan pembinaan stesen Laluan RTS JB-S'pura https://berita.mediacorp.sg/singapura/singapura-mulakan-pembinaan-stesen-laluan-rts-jb-s-pura-54956 

Video (Berita Mediacorp, Malay)

Twilight Express Mizukaze

What is the Twilight Express Mizukaze

Twilight Express Mizukaze (Japanese: トワイライトエクスプレス みずかぜ) is a luxury sleeper cruise train operated by JR West. This train is an excursion train, not a regular train. It is an atas train used for trips around Western Japan and with only a capacity of 34 passengers in a 10-car configuration, it is easily one of the most expensive train trips of the world. 

Image from TrainReview

Image from Wikipedia

Design of the train and logo

The dark-green livery of the train is borrowed from a popular sleeper train called Twilight Express. Twilight Express is a sleeper train plying between Osaka and Sapporo and operations was ceased on 2015 due to declining demand for sleeper trains in Japan. The dive in demand for sleeper trains in Japan is because of an expanding Shinkansen bullet train network, and emergence of LCCs and highway buses that runs between cities. 

Also, the Mizukaze logo have elements that are borrowed from the old Twilight Express logo. The "M" in the new Twilight Express logo is stylised in a way that matches the borrowed angels found in the original Twilight Express.

Lastly, the interior has some sort of a bland of 1920s Art Deco atas vibes with Japanese-style decorative touches from various regions that the train goes to.

Original Twilight Express logo

Image from charitabi

Twilight Express Mizukaze logo

Image from logomarketto

Facilities of this train

The 10-car long 87 series is branded as "a hotel rolling through beautiful Japanese landscape" as seen on the official website. Therefore, the interior comprises a facilities of a 5 star hotel.

Configuration of the train

Observation Cars (found in cars 1 and 10)

Car no. 1 is the observation cars of the train. It is simply used by passengers to observe the rolling scenery of western Japan as they sit back and lepak. In the observation room, the are windows that goes all the way up to the ceiling, so that it allows passengers to look up to the sky. Also, it is home to an open air observation deck, which is what this atas train is famous for. Passengers can go to the observation deck just to obtain some fresh air and enjoy the wind breezes while the train keep rolling. 

Car 2

References

1. https://www.jrpass.com/blog/twilight-express-mizukaze-the-most-luxurious-of-excursion-trains

West Express Ginga (including things to do in San'in)

West Express Ginga is a luxury sleeper train operated by JR West. It runs between Kyoto/Osaka Area and Izumoshi in the San'in area. The rolling stock used in this sleeper service is the 117 series. The 117 series train was formerly used as shinkaisoku (新快速, special rapid service) commuter trains in the Kyoto/Osaka/Kobe area by the Japanese National Railways (kokutetsu, 国鉄, 國鐵). Btw, JNR was privitised and split into 6 passenger companies according to region and one freight company. However, some of those old trains was refurbished for use for sleeper services. Originally, this sleeper service was slated to start running by May 2020, but was postponed to September 11 the same year due to coronavirus infections.

117 Series for use on this sleeper service

San'in area

Made up of Shimane and Tottori, as well as the northern part of Yamaguchi Prefecture in the Chugoku region.

map of Japan with the San'in region shaded in red

rail map of the Chugoku area

Taken from https://www.offthetrackjapan.com/7-day-jr-sanyo-sanin-area-pass/

Map of San'in (Japanese)

Access to San'in area

Service patterns

This sleeper service makes 2 round trips between Kyoto/Osaka and Izumoshi weekly since the start of operations on 11 September 2020. However, the eastbound service terminates at Osaka, so passengers going to Kyoto must switch to a shinkaisoku or kaisoku upon arriving in Osaka. Not just a sleeper service, it also operates as a daytime limited express train from Osaka to Shimonoseki in Yamaguchi Prefecture.

Sanin Route

Sanyo Route

Configuration

The West Express Ginga uses 6-car 117 series trains. 

Car 1 is the reserved green car seating. This car have a capacity for 16 daytime passengers during daytime, and half of that for sleeper services. For daytime services, box seats are arranged with a foldable table and lamp. But, those box seats can be converted to a single bed with the table folded away during nightime. This car also have a mini longue space which offers some books.

layout of car 1

Car 2 is a standard car only reserved for female passengers. It comprises of a mixture of reclining seats and couchette style sleeping areas. Those couchette style berths are fitted with individual lightning for each berth and luggage storage space for convenience.

layout of car 2

Car 3 comprises both standard compartment and "family cabins" which have a bench style seating that can be folded out into a sleeping area and can house families of 3 to 4 people. It also houses a free space area equipped with books and magazines for passengers to use when they want to get up and stretch their legs.

layout for car 3

standard seating area with reclining seats

family cabins

free space area

Car 4 houses a multi-purpose recreational space for passengers to hang out where 4 of its tables have inlaid board games such as chess and backgammon, as well as also used for events.

layout for car 4

layout for car 5

inside car 4

Car 5 is a standard car that houses couchette style sleeping areas, which has "nobi-nobi" seats where passengers can lie flat and sleep. 

sleeping berths in car 5

layout of car 6

Car 6 houses 5 premium green car cabins which offers sitting benches that can be converted to beds. 4 of the cabins are for multiple travelers, which holds up to 3 passengers during daytime and 2 during night time, while the other one is for single travelers. This car also has a free space area when passengers can seat and enjoy the passing scenery.

a green car private cabin in car 6

free space area in car 6

Things to do in San'in area

U/C

Suggested Itinerary

Day 0 - Kyoto ⇾ Izumoshi (West Express Ginga)

Day 1 - Izumoshi

Morning: Izumo Taisha Shrine and Former Taisha Station

Lunch at Izumoshi

Afternoon: JR San-in Line - Izumoshi ⇾ Matsue (46 mins) 

or Ichibata Railway - Izumotaisha-mae ⇾ Matsue Shinjiko Onsen station (1hr )

Afternoon: Matsue Castle 

Dinner + Hotel/Ryokan stay at Matsue

Day 2 - Matsue

Breakfast at accomodation + check out at Matsue accomodation

Take 25 min shuttle bus

Morning: Yushien Garden

Lunch 

Afternoon: JR San-in Line - Matsue ⇾ Yasugi (20 mins local train), then change to shuttle bus (20 mins from Yasugi Stn)

Afternoon: Adachi Museum of art

Evening: Samurai District + dinner

Evening: JR San-in Line - Matsue ⇾ Yonago (37 mins)

Evening: check in at Yonago accomodation

Day 3 - Yonago

Breakfast at accomodation + check out

Morning: Mt Daisen

Lunch

Afternoon: Local Train to Sakaiminato + Eshima Grand Bridge

Evening: Stroll around Yonago town and have dinner

Night: Yonago ⇾ Osaka (West Express Ginga)

Merchandise

Plarail S-39 West Express Ginga (JPY 2640 tax incl)

Riding the West Express Ginga

Video in Japanese only

References

1. https://www.japanstation.com/west-express-ginga-brings-comfortable-long-distance-rail-travel-to-western-japan/

2. https://www.jr-odekake.net/railroad/westexginga/course/ 

3. https://www.sanin-tourism.com/en/access

4. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San%27in_region

5. https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5831.html