KTM Class 91

Class 91
Class 91 EMUs at Ipoh station.
Stock typeElectric multiple unit (EMU)
In service2009–present
ManufacturerRotem
DesignerMarubeni
Constructed2008-2009
Number built30 cars (5 sets)
Number in service24 cars (4 sets)
Number scrapped6 cars (1 set; accident damage)
Formation6 cars per trainset
Capacity(350 seats)
OperatorsKeretapi Tanah Melayu
DepotsBatu Gajah Rail Depot
Lines servedWest Coast Line
Specifications
Train length132.52 m (434 ft 9+5⁄16 in)
Car length
  • 22.26 m (73 ft 3⁄8 in) (Mc)
  • 22 m (72 ft 2+1⁄8 in) (Tp/M)
Width2.75 m (9 ft 0 in)
Height3.8 m (12 ft 6 in)
Doors2 single-leaf sliding plug doors per side
Maximum speed
  • Service:
  • 145 km/h (90 mph)
  • Design:
  • 160 km/h (100 mph)
Weight231.8 t (228.1 long tons; 255.5 short tons)
Traction systemMitsubishi Electric IGBT–VVVF
Traction motors16 × Mitsubishi Electric MB-5069-B 150 kW (200 hp) 3-phase AC induction motor[1]
Power output2,400 kW (3,200 hp)
Electric system(s)25 kV 50 Hz AC overhead line
Current collector(s)Pantograph
UIC classificationBo′Bo′+2′2′+Bo′Bo′+Bo′Bo′+2′2′+Bo′Bo′
Coupling systemAAR Knuckle
SeatingTransverse 2+2 layout
Track gauge1,000 mm (3 ft 3+3⁄8 in) metre gauge

The Class 91 is a type of electric multiple unit currently operating on Keretapi Tanah Melayu's Electric Train Service (ETS) since 2009. KTMB purchased a total of 5 sets worth RM 240 million from a joint venture between South Korea's Rotem Co. and Japan Mitsubishi Electric Corp in 2008. Each set has six coaches.[2]

All five train sets were designed by the Marubeni Corporation and were built by Hyundai Rotem of Korea and Mitsubishi Electric of Japan.[3] The design of the train sets follows very closely the IE 22000 Class of Ireland's InterCity trains. The major difference between the trainsets in Ireland and those used in Malaysia is that the Irish trainsets are diesel operated and use a broad gauge rail (1,600mm) while Malaysia has a metre gauge (1,000mm) system and are electrically powered.[4]

Operation

The class 91 operates in a fixed 6-cars configuration. Currently, class 91 sets are mainly used for long distance intercity travel.[5] In 2010–2012, 2 sets of KTM class 91 were being used for normal commuter use due to a shortage of trains. While in commuter use, long distance facilities such as toilets and cafes were closed and locked.

The Class 91 usually operates at its service maximum of 140 km/h (87 mph) and is known to sometimes speed at 160 km/h (99 mph) during regular service at certain stretches.[6] Speed is limited partially by the use of narrow gauge.

Train schedule is categorically separated into a number of fixed classes with different ticketing structure afforded to travelling at particular times. i.e. travelling during peak would incur premium ticket cost whereas travel during off-peak mid day incur a discounted fare.[7]

On-board service

All six cars have standard class only with reserved seats. The seats use red seat covers and arranged in a 2+2 fashion with a tray table and a power outlet facilities. The seats can be easily converted for wheelchair use should the need arise. There is an LCD TV in every coach for entertainment and wheelchair-accessible toilets are available in coach B and E. Bistro coach are available at coach C which sells drinks, light snacks and microwaved meals.

Maintenance

The Class 91 is stabled and maintained at Batu Gajah Rail Depot in Perak.

Features

The Class 91 is one of the first trains in KTMs inventory to feature onboard displays displaying current speed. Train seating is optimised for long distance seating with minimal standing space. Fixed large seats are placed traverse throughout the coach. LCD Displays within coach show feature films, with sound muted but with subtitled English. During long distance operations, as many as 7 attendants will attend the train set.

The KTM Class 91 Cab features a mixture of digital and analogue gauges for train control.

Expansion

In the future, there are plans for an additional 20 sets.[5]

However, there are none currently being ordered. Recent orders suggest a different rail class to be introduced. The second generation ETS KTM class 93 has been introduced to further expand the ETS fleet size.

Formation

Car No. 1 (A) 2 (B) 3 (C) 4 (D) 5 (E) 6 (F)
Seating capacity 64 52 54 66 52 64
Designation Mc Tp M M Tp Mc
Features Toilet Cafe Toilet
Set Designation 1 (A) 2 (B) 3 (C) 4 (D) 5 (E) 6 (F) Arrival Date Status Launch Date
ETS 101 C9101 T9101 M9101 M9102 T9102 C9102 Arrived Dec 9 Operational 2009
ETS 102 C9103 T9103 M9103 M9104 T9104 C9104 Arrived Jan 16 Operational 2009
ETS 103 C9105 T9105 M9105 M9106 T9106 C9106 Arrived March Operational 2009
ETS 104 C9107 T9107 M9107 M9108 T9108 C9108 Arrived March Withdrawn 2009
ETS 105 C9109 T9109 M9109 M9110 T9110 C9110 Arrived March Operational 2009

Accidents and Incidents

One ETS Train, ETS104, crashed with an Ekspres Rakyat train at KM322 on 7 May 2016 at 1.40pm. Three passengers were injured and all passengers were safely evacuated.[8] The train was heavily damaged at the front end and withdrawn from service.

  • Interior of ETS
    Interior of ETS
  • KTM class 91 and class 92 at Kuala Lumpur station
    KTM class 91 and class 92 at Kuala Lumpur station
  • KTM Class 91 at Kuala Lumpur station's extended wing
    KTM Class 91 at Kuala Lumpur station's extended wing

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to KTM Class 91.
  1. ^ "Our Business". Majestic Engineering Sdn Bhd.
  2. ^ Kong, Lester (January 22, 2010). "Malaysia to get electric train sets by March". TheStar. Retrieved 29 September 2011.
  3. ^ White, Stanley. "Marubeni Gets $67 Million Malaysia Train-Car Order, Nikkei Says". Bloombery. BloomPUB. Retrieved 19 July 2012.
  4. ^ Kamimura, Sanako. "Order Received for a 30-Car Commuter Express Train in Malaysi" (PDF). Marubeni. Retrieved 19 July 2012.
  5. ^ a b SHARIDAN M. ALI. "KTMB plans to invest RM1bil in 20 more electric coaches". TheStarOnline. TheStar. Retrieved 19 July 2012.
  6. ^ Leung, Fredie. "Electric trains to reduce travel time". TheStarOnline. Star. Retrieved 19 July 2012.
  7. ^ ROSHIDI ABU SAMAH. "Ipoh-KL electric train fare RM30-35". TheStarOnline. Star. Retrieved 19 July 2012.
  8. ^ "KTM Komuter collides with ETS train near Batang Kali, three injured". New Straits Times. 7 May 2016. Retrieved 20 February 2022.