First MRT trains roll out today

Phase 1 of the Sungai Buloh-Kajang line covers 12 stations.

PETALING JAYA: Commuters who are eager to try riding on a Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) train will get their chance today, when the first trains on the Sungai Buloh-Kajang line roll out.

From today until about the middle of next year, the trains will run between Sungai Buloh and Semantan for a total of 12 stations. Phase 2, or the Semantan-to-Kajang portion of the project, covering 19 stops, is expected to be launched next July.

The fare for the shortest distance, which is between the Pasar Seni and Merdeka stations, is RM1.10.

Freelance writer Liyana Jamaludin said she had been looking forward to the launch for a long time.

“I think it’s great that the MRT is finally going to be launched,” she told FMT. “I like the fact that the stations are near the places which I frequent, such as 1 Utama, Ikea, the Curve and around the Kota Damansara area.”

She hopes parking her car at the park-and-ride facilities won’t be a problem. “I also hope that the feeder buses will be on time. No more fuss of waiting for a taxi and looking for a place to park, especially at the malls on weekends. ”

Amalina Kamal, who manages an online lifestyle site, said the journey into the capital would now be much better. “I stay in Shah Alam and used to drive into the city for work. Now, with the launch of the MRT, I can easily travel without any hassle.

“It’s a good move to have more public transport options for commuters.”

Marketing agent Julian Oh, who lives in Subang Jaya, said the MRT fares and savings on fuel and parking were his main concerns.

“The fares might be reasonable, but multiple trips will still cost the commuters,” he said. “However, the good thing is that we can save on fuel and avoid all the horrendous traffic jams around the city.”

Under Phase 1, there are 120 feeder buses linking all 12 stations and covering 26 routes. The fare is capped at RM1 per trip. -FMT