MELAKA TRAM TO OPEN TO PUBLIC IN MAY 2012

By Mohd Iswandi Kasan Anuar

KEROH (Melaka, Malaysia), Feb 19 (Bernama) -- Train maker, Mrails
International Sdn Bhd expects its RM272 million (US$87.74 million) Melaka Tram,
the first natural gas vehicle (NGV) powered tram in the world, to open to the
public in May next year.

Its president and managing director, Jeya Kumar said, the implementation and
application of the environmentally friendly "Next Generation Tram" will
revolutionise the locomotive industry.

"We will be using this technology to add convenience to culture and enhance
heritage without affecting the environment in compliance with Melaka's status as
a Unesco World Heritage Site," he told a media briefing here Saturday.

Kumar said the tram would scrap the traditional "pantograph" system in
keeping with the times and also in line with United Nations Framework Convention
on Climate Change to combat global warming.

"This also represents our vision to take part in Melaka's growth as an
ultimate destination centre for tourism, and marks our commitment to creating
sustainable transport systems," he added.

The ground breaking ceremony was performed by Prime Minister Najib Razak.

Also present was Melaka Chief Minister Mohd Ali Rustam and Terengganu state
Chief Miniter Ahmad Said.

Melaka Tram was made official via an agreement between the Chief
Minister Incorporation (CMI) and Mrails in March last year.

Under the agreement, the company has agreed to design, construct and
finance, manage, maintain and supervise the road tramway and tramcar operations
for 25 years, while the financing of the project worth RM272 million is borne by
Mrails as well.

The company has also been charged with managing ticket collections for 25
years, with CMI taking 20 per cent in terms of ticket collection and the
balance by Mrails, Kumar said.

He highlighted that the Melaka Tram Corridor would begin from its depot
adjacent to the Ayer Keroh Toll Plaza heading to the heritage town of Melaka
with a distance of 40 kilometres covering 11 of fourteen major tourist spots.

"We will work hand-in-hand with our partners, CNR Tangshan Railway Vehicles
Co Ltd, a Chinese-based locomotive manufacturer," he said.

The tram is a rail borne vehicle, lighter than a train and differs from
other forms of locomotion, as the tracks are embedded in the street.

It is able to accommodate 120 passengers at one time, caters to the disabled
because its ground-level design and will operate at speeds of 40 km/h.

Kumar said Mrails, which is expecting at least a 40,000 ridership daily,
would make commuting affordable, with a fare charge of RM2.

It is free for the disabled and students.

Moving forward, the company intends to export its train to other cities in
the country as well as overseas, namely to India and Africa next year, he
said.