A different kind of travel story

 Taking public transport can be an adventure to those who have a choice, but a real hazard for those who don’t. Spare a thought for them.

Driving to work these days has become a rather expensive routine, especially so if you drive a diesel-driven vehicle.

As someone who owns a diesel-powered truck — an off-road indulgence from long ago that hasn’t quite dissipated — I feel the pinch, so I thought I’d go for the much cheaper alternative … the train.

A lot has been said, and written, about the perils of depending on public transport these days, but how bad could it be … so I thought.

I got the real experience yesterday morning. Woke up early and was ready to start off from my apartment at Oasis Village, Ara Damansara at 7am.

The closest LRT station — the Ara Damansara stop — is about a kilometre away. Just a short walk. We routinely walk even longer distances most days.

There are two routes to the station so logically, I took the slightly shorter one, an error of judgement I realised very quickly.

The route took me to the traffic lights junction under the main highway to the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (most of us know it as the Subang Airport).

I was nearly hit by a fast-moving car while crossing the road despite the fact that the lights were green for pedestrians.

From the traffic junction, there was no proper footpath for walkers, so I had no choice but to risk trekking along the main road. Having to move in the same direction of the traffic flow meant that I could not see oncoming traffic unless I turned around frequently to take a look.

Fortunately, about 200m ahead, there was a footpath leading to an inner road. The semblance of a proper footpath finally appeared another 200m ahead.

It was 7.30am by the time I reached the station, all clammy from the exercise.

I purchased my ticket (it comes in the shape of a chip, like those you see at a casino) at the counter. The staff was friendly, which was delightful.

Better yet, the fare was quite low. I got to ride all the way to the Taman Jaya station, which was at least five stops away, for only RM1.60. Of course, I had to show my myKad to prove that I was a senior citizen.

The train, packed like sardines, arrived very shortly after I reached the platform. But the air-conditioning was cool enough to provide some relief from the rising heat outside. Another point for the LRT service provider.

It took about 20 minutes to get to my destination.

There was a minor glitch as I attempted to get out of the station. You have to put the chip into a slot at the gate to open it, but mine didn’t seem to work.

A young lady, who saw me trying one gate after another was kind enough to stop and wait to ensure I finally got through before she waved a goodbye and went on her way.

The distance from the Taman Jaya station to my office on Lorong Persiaran Barat is just about 300m, but the walk is equally dicey.

There is no footpath, or barrier between the tarmac and the drain, and with traffic coming from behind, it can get pretty hairy.

Given the experience I don’t know if I will take the train to work again.

But there is a lesson to be learned here. Not everyone is lucky enough to have a car to take them to work. Thousands go through the challenge of walking from their homes to the LRT or MRT stations every morning just to get to their workplaces.

With barely any last-mile connection, as so many experts have pointed out, and the disjointed pedestrian walkways from home to station, it is a challenge.

Inconsiderate drivers are another hazard.

Perhaps those lucky enough to have their own set of wheels to take them to work and home should spare a thought for those who don’t.

Stop driving at breakneck speed. Slow down and stop at traffic junctions, just in case someone needs to cross the road, even at crossroads without traffic lights.

Give way to others. There is no point in trying to get a few seconds ahead only to end up in a scrape.

And when taking the train, be kind to others. Give up your seat to someone who needs it more than you, like an expectant mother or an elderly person.

Stop to help someone if you see him struggling at the ticket kiosk or the gate.

Having said all that, I must confess I am unlikely to take the train to work again. And with ride-hailing fares ridiculously high during peak hours, I see myself back behind the wheel of my trusty truck. - FMT

The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of MMKtT.