KUALA LUMPUR – The Shah Alam LRT line, also known as the Light Rail Transit Line 3 (LRT3), was developed to extend rail connectivity to the Western Corridor of the Greater Kuala Lumpur and Klang Valley region.
It also aims to serve two million commuters between Bandar Utama and Klang after its completion in March 2025.
Stretching a total of 37km, the line aims to increase travel efficiency, reduce traffic congestion, encourage economic growth and productivity, and mobilise more passengers with an estimated 18,630 passengers per hour per direction.
The first phase of the Shah Alam LRT line, comprising 20 existing stations, is on track to commence operations by March 1, 2025. There are also five further provisional stations namely Tropicana, Temasya, Raja Muda, Bukit Raja, and Bandar Botanik.
Construction for these stations will begin in 2024 and is expected to be completed in the second quarter (Q2) of 2027, based on the Transport Ministry’s media announcement on January 9, 2024.
Intermodal connectivity and interchange facilities
The railway is poised to serve as a strategic transportation hub to facilitate easy transfers for passengers.
With this, the LRT was designed to provide seamless connections between Shah Alam LRT line stations and hubs where different modes of transportation converge – such as bus terminals, train stations, airports, and seaports.
The Shah Alam LRT line also offers easy interchange facilities at strategic locations where it intersects with other existing rail systems.
For example, it will have two interchange stations, namely in Bandar Utama, which connects the Sg Buloh-Kajang MRT line and Glenmarie 2, which connects to the Kelana Jaya LRT line.
To minimise waiting times for passengers, feeder bus services aiming to synchronise schedules with the trains complement Shah Alam LRT line routes, providing first and last-mile connectivity to residential areas, commercial centres, and industrial zones.
The implementation of these stations also enables commuters to visit nearby commercial areas, offices, and shopping malls.
Connectivity to surrounding areas
Various methods are implemented to ensure ease of connectivity from the passenger’s original location to their destination.
For passengers from suburban and outlying areas choosing to drive to the stations, there are Park-N-Ride facilities near the stations, namely Kayu ArA, Damansara Idaman, Pasar Klang, Seri Andalas, Bandar Bukit Tinggi, and Johan Setia with adequate parking spaces and security measures such as 24/7 CCTV cameras and bright LED lights. There will also be sufficient lay-bys for buses, taxis, and private vehicles.
Accessibility
To cater to all passengers, the Shah Alam LRT line aims to be inclusive by providing accessibility for all, including people with disabilities (PwD), mobility-impaired individuals, and parents with strollers.
The facilities, such as tactile paving and access to the stations, platforms, and vehicles are designed to be accessible and accommodating to the PwD community.
Other amenities for public comfort include passenger seating, public toilets, a surau with an ablution facility, lifts, escalators, a covered pedestrian walkway, a pedestrian bridge, and clear signage for easy navigation.
The implementation of bicycle lanes, as well as pedestrian and PwD-accessible pathways connecting LRT3 stations with nearby neighbourhoods, aims to encourage the usage of active transportation.
Other initiatives include the MY50 unlimited travel pass, offering 30 days of unlimited rides on the Rapid KL rail and bus network in Klang Valley, initiated by Prasarana Malaysia Bhd.
Green technology and sustainability
Ultimately, the use of public transportation is a sustainable alternative to private car travel, reducing traffic congestion and carbon emissions. The Shah Alam LRT line has embraced several initiatives for eco-friendly integration.
Furthermore, the integration of green infrastructure elements aimed at minimising environmental impact includes solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems.
Other eco-friendly initiatives include equipping the light rail vehicle with a host of green features, such as a regenerative energy brake system and a full LED lighting system with a smart control function and inverter control air conditioning system.
With the constant efforts taken to improve the overall efficiency, accessibility, and sustainability of the transit network, the Shah Alam Line will be an important addition to ultimately ensure the benefit of commuters and the broader community. – February 26, 2024