KUALA LUMPUR: Klang Valley folk are upbeat about the third light rail transit (LRT3) project, which is expected to be up and running in six years.
A street check showed that motorists in particular were happy to learn about the extension.
T. Selvarani from Taman Andalas, Klang said the option of the additional line would greatly help the millions of Klang Valley folk who have to drive in peak hour traffic daily.
“I feel like I am going mad. I can leave for work to my office in KL at 6am and return at 5pm sharp for home. It’s still easily a four-hour drive on the road for me daily.”
“On days when I opt to take trains, I have to transit at KL Sentral to board the KTM Komuter. These trains are too packed during rush hour. After 8pm there are also less trains and the waiting time is up to 40 minutes per train,” said the 37-year-old mother of two.
Chow Yang Fatt, 21 who lives in Sungei Way, said the option would help ease traffic somewhat.
“Life was much more peaceful before. But today we can hear honks all the time, sometimes I even hear them in my sleep.”
He said many other residential areas in Petaling Jaya are now used as permanent bypasses.
“For example when the Federal Highway is backed up, there is also congestion here. This causes a lot of noise and dust pollution, especially if your house faces a major road or a highway,” said the student.
He said that most residential roads in the city have also become ‘car parks’ due to shortage of parking and proximity to commercial areas.
Retiree Sulaiman Mat, 62 from Shah Alam, said he wanted to limit his driving due to a heart condition.
“My eyesight is also not too good. But I am forced to drive as I still visit my relatives and friends in KL and PJ. The bus system to the nearest KTM Komuter from my home in Taman Muda is also virtually non-existent,” he added.
The 37km, LRT3 alignment is poised to connect two million people.
The LRT3 project was launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak yesterday.
The project will connect the western corridor of the Klang Valley and improve accessibility for commuters in Klang, Shah Alam and Petaling Jaya through its 26 stations.
There will be five integrated stations with other modes of transport. Station 1 is to be integrated with MRT Bandar Utama; Station 7 is to be integrated with the Kelana Jaya Line; Station 10 and 13 are to be integrated with the BRT Federal Line; and Station 20 is to be integrated with the KTM Komuter Port Klang line.