Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I am informed by the Metro Express Ltd. that the Light Rail Vehicles (LRVs) have been designed as per international norms and standards with respect to on-board security and safety. All LRVs are fitted with anti-slip rubber flooring which complies to the European standard DIN 51130, classifying anti-slip properties of floor coverings in wet conditions. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I am further informed that since the start of its operation, Metro Express Ltd. has not received any complaints nor any incidents have been reported with respect to slipping on wet floors on board the LRVs. Nevertheless, as part of its daily safety and security protocols, several measures have been put in place by MEL to enhance the safety of passengers on-board of the LRVs such as regular announcements for passengers to be cautious when it is raining and to hold on to the handrail and frequent mopping of all the LRVs at Terminal Station during rainfalls. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, in addition, any spillage or wet floor condition on board the LRVs, are properly cleaned and dried by the cleaning service provider and regular cleaning is carried out throughout the operating hours as and when required to maintain the safe and secure environment for passengers.

Yes, one question!

Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I have myself witnessed a case where a young woman slipped on the wet floor last Wednesday and I would like to ask the hon. Minister if he will consider to look at places where there is no shelter. It was raining last Wednesday and at places where there is no shelter, people get in with their wet umbrellas, so the floor was wet all through and several persons slipped. I do not know if it is really anti-skid but people slipped and one woman was injured and had to go to the hospital.

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Was it inside the train or outside?

Inside!

Because what I am told here is that LRVs are anti-skid but then like I said, it was not reported. So, the MEL people may not necessarily be aware of it but I will ask them to look into, because what I have here, it is anti-skid according to European standard DIN 51130 which is not supposed to occur because it is rubber based. So, I am a bit confused.

You will look into the matter?

Yes!

Thank you.

And at places where there is no shelter like Place d’Armes, people wait in the rain.

We will look into. Thank you.

The hon. Third Member for Grand’ Baie and Poudre d’Or! HILLCREST AVENUE, QUATRE BORNES – GREENING & EMBELLISHMENT – TMRSU RECOMMENDATIONS