KUALA LUMPUR: The first phase of the Mass Rapid Transit Sungai Buloh-Kajang line (SBK) between Sungai Buloh and Semantan is expected to begin operations by December 2016.
Mass Rapid Transit Corporation Sdn Bhd (MRT Corp) operations and asset management director Mahmood Abdul Razak said all 24 trains required for Phase One operation had been delivered to the Sungai Buloh MRT Depot.
“Track works have been completed for both guideways and tunnels. Currently all systems are undergoing testing on Phase One section of the viaduct and we will run the trial operations on October 1,” he told a media briefing on the progress of MRT SBK Line project here today.
He said phase two between Semantan Station and Kajang Station would be operational in July 2017.
“As at end of May, the overall progress of the MRT SBK Line was at 86.25%. As for the underground section, all station structure works have been completed, except for entrances and vent structures above ground level,” he said.
Mahmood said following the appointment of Rapid Rail Sdn Bhd on July 1 as the operator of Klang Valley MRT, MRT Corp as the project owner would be working with the company to ensure the MRT SBK Line ran smoothly.
“Rapid Rail Sdn Bhd will be in charge of daily technical maintenance, customer service, fare collection and station facilities while MRT Corp remains as the asset owner, which includes structures and trains,” he said.
“Under Phase One, six stations will have between 100 to 600 parking bays each at their park and ride multi-storey car parks, as well as open air car parks.
“The station car parks will be operated by Rapid Raid Sdn Bhd which will ensure competitive rates for MRT customers,” he said.
He said Rapid Rail Sdn Bhd would also be operating 300 feeder buses to provide first and last-mile connectivity to the MRT network.
“In the first phase, 140 feeder buses would be mobilised to take passengers within a 3km range from MRT stations at about RM2.
“The bus fare will be determined by Land Public Transport Commision (SPAD),” Mahmood said. -- Bernama