MRT a game changer in transforming landscape of country’s transportation
KUALA LUMPUR: The launch of the second phase of Mass Rapid Transit ( MRT) Sungai Buloh- Kajang ( SBK) line today will mark a game changer in the train service of the country’s transportation landscape.
In providing cheap and efficient public transportation, the SBK line will serve its role particularly in facilitating the under- served areas throughout its 51km route with 31 stations between Sungai Buloh and Kajang.
This is because areas in the northwest and southeast of Klang Valley are not served by any urban rail lines since the Kelana Jaya, Sri Petaling and Ampang Light Rail Transit lines and their extensions only serve the northeast and southwest quadrants of the Klang Valley.
MRT chief executive officer Datuk Seri Shahril Mokhtar described the implementation of MRT’s SBK line as a game changer in transforming the country’s transportation landscape that would benefit the public in many ways, one of it to improve the transportation connectivity for residents living in the underserved areas.
Shahril said in the first phase of the completed MRT SBK Line, 11 out of 12 stations were built in areas where there was no rail service while phase two consist 13 out of 19 stations.
“This ref lects MRT’s commitment to improve the connectivity, especially suburbs areas, thus improving their mobility,” he said.
Fares throughout the MRT SBK Line would be affordable, starting from RM1 to RM6.40, enabling lower and medium income groups to enjoy the privilege of MRT service, he said.
Shahril said MRT would reduce the people’s burden as it would directly reduce their cost of living.
“Relatively cheaper than driving your own car with f luctuating petrol prices, no parking charges, less wear and tear on your vehicle and extending your car’s life span,” he told Bernama.
From the environmental perspective, it would be greener because the train service does not use fuel and when people take the train ride, they would reduce the use of their cars, thus reducing air pollution, so it is a win-win situation for the environment, he added.