The MRT Sungai Buloh–Kajang Line was launched yesterday by Prime Minister Najib Razak, with free rides for a month to mark it as Phase 1 for the 3 planned phases for a rapid transit line in Klang Valley.
The line starts from Sungai Buloh and runs through the city centre of Kuala Lumpur, and ends in Kajang.
However, the road to a fully integrated Klang Valley has been a bumpy ride. The government’s latest venture before the Sungai Buloh–Kajang line, the LRT extensions, was embroiled in controversy.
Between the exorbitant fees of the Sunway line resulting from some costing difficulties, to the kerfuffle last July with the LRT Ampang Line, there were some growing pains in the government’s mission to an interconnected Klang Valley.
We are definitely looking forward to the new MRT, but the nation’s eyes will be on this first phase of the project like a hawk to see if it will be the saving grace in the Klang Valley project.
Following Prime Minister Najib Razak’s announcement that the first month of the MRT will be free, the hashtag #jomnaikmrt has been trending on Twitter, with Malaysians expressing their interest and curiosity in hitching a ride with the new railway.
Of course, not all expectations are positive. There are cynical Malaysians expressing certain concerns behind the project.
One particular netizen even jumped on the MRT bandwagon to criticise the KTM instead.
So when all is said and done, how did the MRT perform on day 1? Well here’s a post that encompasses most of the thoughts for today.
There are also some observations from the people who have taken it today.
There were quite a few who noted the speed of the new MRT trains, which bodes well for Malaysians with places to be, but may not necessarily have the time or be able to afford other methods.
Not all speed is good, and there was one particular rider who found some things to be concerned about with how fast the trains go, and how quickly the doors close.
Apparently, there have already been cases of people getting the doors shut on them as they exit or enter the MRTs.
If you have seen one of those videos of people getting their limbs (and even heads) stuck in the doors in other countries, then you understand what a big issue this is.
Some riders can’t even contain their excitement and this is causing some problems on the trains for other riders .
But overall, the excitement about the trains is still high. People are looking forward to easier access to public transport and even after the month has passed, it seems that the fares will still be considered relatively cheap for train rides of this nature.
Overall, the MRT still has some growing to do but we’re all for a more interconnected Klang Valley and hopefully the nation as a whole someday. Three cheers for development!
Feature Image Credit: The Singapore Business Review
