It’s probably just me, but the hours of being stuck in jams and diversions caused by the MRT construction over the past few years have made this writer very revengeful. The payback I had in mind? To use this new train line to the max once it opens, whenever possible, recouping those lost hours staring at red lights. OK, it’s just me.
The day has finally come. After five years of construction, Malaysia’s Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) opens its doors to the public today. For now, phase one of the Sungai Buloh-Kajang (SBK) Line is operational from Sungai Buloh to Semantan in Damansara Heights. The full line all the way to Kajang will be ready by July 2017.
What’s open now are 12 stations on 21 km of elevated tracks. The stations are Sg Buloh, Kg Selamat, Kwasa Damansara, Kwasa Sentral, Kota Damansara, Surian, Mutiara Damansara, Bandar Utama, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Phileo Damansara, Pusat Bandar Damansara and Semantan. MRT Corp says that it will take around 30 minutes end to end.
What’s great is that even in this partially open state, the MRT SBK Line covers some popular locations. The most obvious are the Bandar Utama and Mutiara Damansara stations, which are directly linked to 1 Utama and The Curve/IPC/Ikea (more on this later) shopping centres respectively, but stations such as Surian (Sunway Giza and the ‘Kota Damansara’ commercial area) and Pusat Bandar Damansara (upcoming DC Mall) are useful for recreation.
There are also many business areas served directly by the SBK Line – the offices adjacent to 1U, Menara LGB in TTDI and Phileo Damansara come to mind. The Sg Buloh terminus is an interchange with the KTM Komuter line, which can take one to Rawang or back to KL city via Kepong and Segambut. For now, it’s the only interchange for the SBK Line.
Fares range from RM1 to RM3.90 between the Sg Buloh and Semantan stations. Only cash and Touch n Go cards are accepted, and not the MyRapid card. For the 50% discount for senior citizens, students and the disabled (OKU), tokens with the concession fare will have to be purchased from the customer service office. It’s cheaper to pay with TnG compared to cash – even if it’s not so, electronic payment is the way to go.
Feeder bus fares are a flat RM1 per entry. That will be from January 17, because from now till Jan 16, everything is free of charge. Up to 300 buses are in the fleet, and the bus depot is near the Kwasa Sentral station.
Armed with all the above info and with much excitement, I took a 1.2 km, 15 minute walk this morning to my new “home station” Pusat Bandar Damansara. Approaching the station from Jalan Maarof, one can reach the platform level via stairs, escalator or elevator, and once above ground, there’s a Watsons and 7-Eleven store. Toilet, surau and baby room facilities are all available; the latter should please parents with young kids.
As I was fiddling around with the token vending and Touch n Go reload machines (BM, English, Mandarin and Tamil language available), MRT staff approached to explain that no token or card was needed – just walk past the gates as it’s free for now. Staff were on hand at every station to explain routes and directions to riders, distributing guide books. Attentive and with all smiles, it’s two thumbs up for the MRT crew.
UPDATE: We took the MRT today on Dec 20 and found that Touch n Go cards were needed to get through the gates, although no fare will be deducted as rides are free from now till Jan 16. Alternatively, get a token from the ticket counters to tap on the panel.
Once photographer Sherman Sim found a parking spot (an illegal one, PBD’s Park and Ride facilities aren’t ready), we rode the futuristic-looking, BMW-designed four-car train to Kwasa Sentral, where colleagues Izwaashura Sadali and Jason Chung were waiting.
It was a smooth ride with great views – the track sits high above ground level, affording riders unique perspectives over familiar landscape. Very fascinating. Tip: enjoy the view before advertising goes on the trains; we spotted media types envisioning ad space around the currently naked trains and stations.
At Kwasa Sentral, where a township will eventually replace the RRIM rubber trees, Izwaa and Jason hopped on board and we proceeded to Sg Buloh. Here, one can interchange with the KTM Komuter line easily, and we mean it. It takes less than five minutes walking from the MRT platform to KTM’s ground level platform, all in one building. Essentially, the MRT station has swallowed the old KTM halt to make one integrated station.
Adjacent is a nine-storey covered car park building, the only one owned and operated by MRT Corp (the other PnR facilities along the line are by third parties under agreement with MRT Corp). At the entrance of the building is a board showing the available parking lots on each floor, so one can head straight to a level that’s not full.
By now, stomachs were rumbling and the plan was to have lunch at 1 Utama. We alighted at the BU station next to Sri Pentas to find that the link bridge to 1 Utama was not ready, so the only way to the mall was to cross Persiaran Bandar Utama via a pedestrian bridge to the feeder bus station.
It’s a short walk across to the One World Hotel and Sri Pentas, but roadworks had blocked that option (literally) and hordes of casual Friday office workers were lining up for the feeder bus, so we decided to backtrack to Mutiara Damansara to refuel. There, the link bridge to the mall is also under construction so we headed to the mall through the Royale Chulan Damansara hotel. Bellies full, we continued the journey to the other end of the line – Semantan.
UPDATE: The Bandar Utama park and ride facility cum feeder bus station (opposite Sri Pentas along Persiaran Bandar Utama) is officially called the “1 Powerhouse”. With the link bridge to the mall still under construction, there’s no choice but to pass by this building to get to the mall. However, heavy construction along Persiaran BU and Dataran BU means that the otherwise short walk to 1U, One World Hotel and the First Avenue office tower is not straightforward (Dec 20). A loop is needed, and with unfinished walkways along Persiaran BU, one will have to walk certain stretches on the road, which is rough and narrow thanks to the construction. The bridge from station to mall can’t come soon enough. Note that all the above infrastructure and construction is outside of the MRT station. MRT Corp has responded – read more here
From Sungai Buloh, the train took 15 minutes to arrive at Surian station, 18 minutes to reach Mutiara Damansara and 20 minutes to arrive at Bandar Utama. From end to end, we timed the train at 40 minutes, which is 10 minutes longer than the officially estimated half hour needed.
This was unsurprising as the train was stationary for longer than normal periods at the two heavy traffic stations – Mutiara Damansara and Bandar Utama. We’re not sure whether this was a teething problem or intentional on MRT’s part to accommodate heavy traffic from the malls, but it’s minor.
“I appeal to the public to be patient and understanding. As with all new train systems, there will be teething problems. We will work to resolve any of these issues when they occur,” said MRT Corp project director for the SBK Line, Marcus Karakashian.
Jason alighted at Phileo Damansara and took the feeder bus to Section 17. He commented that the brand new Volvo bus is disabled friendly, something which can be said about the stations and trains as well.
By the way, the train’s route displays are all digital screens (with displays to note which side of the doors open) and the gap from the platform is very lighted by an LED strip. It’s also very slim, which is good for safety. Compared to the recently expanded LRT, the MRT carriage feels wider inside, and the glass areas are bigger, especially on the doors.
We like what we see, and it has been truly worth the wait. What are you waiting for? Jom naik MRT!
i will ask my girl to wear school pinafore to get discount
No diskaun given cuz its free for now
Bravo to MRT and Co. Great job done. And good job done by the Malaysian Government. This is a good example that Malaysian companies can do the job. No point giving jobs and contracts to China companies. Like our RM55 billion ERL, why can’t we give the job to local Malaysian companies?
At least money circulates in the country instead of RM55 billion being repatriated to China. I trust in Malaysian companies. Their quality is good. Sad that CCCC doing our ERL is banned and blacklisted by World Bank for fraud and low quality. Better to give the ERL project to Malaysian company like MRT Co
I hope you know without foreign technology and company, this MRT is almost impossible?
The tunneling is done by the Germans, trains from siemens. Please, dont say we can build Monorail and should use that.
Actually the MRT train sets were produced in China by CRRC under a license from Siemens.
Without local workforce the MRT also almost impossible. Goddammit, macam mana mau bagi puas ini orang..
Local workforce ke… atau Indonesian, Nepalese dan Bangladeshis.
thank you MRT! I look fwd riding in one!
Then post photos for us to look at..to determine whether she will get discounts when they start charging or not..
Simply amazing…cant wait to try myself…
Cukur Volvo bus berkhidmat untuk rakyat.
Anyway, props to MRT Corp, from the start ETA ready end 2016, they’re on time. Phase 2 ETA mid 2017 also looks good to be on time.
Also managed to keep cost rm2bil under budget. And doesn’t look like they’re cutting corners too much, we get Siemens’ latest Inspiro, so they’re properly good German train.
Great engineering breakthrough and development, especially on tunneling skills. Creates jobs and adding value to our skilled force.
Well done MRT Corp.
Volvo Bussar > Volvo Cars (i mean Geely)
MRT Corp gave an image of malaysians working together regardless of race, as long as you are capable you do the job. It also gave an image of keeping the public informed and listening to them (roadshows). And also importantly notices were in ENGLISH, BM, MANDARIN and TAMIL. Small things like these show all-inclusiveness and tourist-friendliness.
Only makes me imagine the things that this country can achieve without it’s race-based politics segregating the people through the dissemination of false stereotypes.
the station not air-conditioned?? what about inside the train?
You’ve never ride train right?
Only genius like you can ask this type of question…
Air cond is pay-per-use inside the train.must put in coin.
lol even tokyo station (the platform) not airconditioned…
Freezing inside trains.
Warm coat provided. just use T&G card.
Freezing inside the trains. Wear a coat.
The stations are build to cut cost on air cond and lighting, that’s why they were build open air, to enable air circulations and receive ample light during daytime. Btw fyi the tunneling process, although was completed by overseas brand, but it was donr 100% by young malaysian engineers from various fields. Let’s be proud guys!
It should be free as the gov use the rakyat money to built this thing. Its like renting a car we own.
Try that in UK, Germany, Japan, US, France, Italy..if you managed to make them make it free with your cliche reason..then everything should be free isnt it since everything is coming from your duit rakyat
The world does not owe u a livin’
inb4… bashers mari
hilarious, gun point at shooter.
There are typo Danny, ==>
Feeder bus fares are a flat RM1 per entry. That will be from January 16 (should be January 17)
Yup, thanks
“brand new Volvo bus”
Janji Volvo > all
Volvo Sweden > Volvo China
Congratulation. High-end public transportation with cheap return cost ticket to passengers.Roll-stock by Siemens Germany, nice cool design. The MRT works finished by on-time. A nightmare ti Rafizi Cow bcoz he claimed this 37 billion-wasted project will be failed. Now only costing at RM21 billion.!
Najib Razak era truly rakyat’s PM!. What now to complaint? Ceramah siang malam maa.. kutuk sana sini.. ting tong2 ZERO!.. hahaha..
Sotong claimed from the sky it will cost 100billion. How he reached that figure, nobody knows. ACCA shud tarik balik his half past 6 accountant lesen.
retail outlet markup their items and then pretend to give 30% discount during sales. only stupid people like john will be happy . only short distance with few stations already cost 21 B. by the time both lines fully constructed will cost how much ?
This MRT not all Malaysian can use it everyday….but GST is korek all Malaysian pocket everyday! Makcik sebelah complain tepung , minyak , gula ….naik !! 3 kecil mao makan kuat hari hari ….. MRT bukan macik mao complain punya hal !
Stick to the topic.
Did he claimed it wud cost 100B? Yes he did
Did PM says it not cost that much? Yes he did
Did it reach 100B? No it din
Did it go over budget? No it din
So whos lyin’ and whos truthin’?
Did it reach 100B? No it din – correct
Did it go over budget? No it din – wrong
Wrong, really?
Achieved 21B instead of projected 23B- means 2B less, is overbudget?
23B-21B = negative?
Ur maths learn from where ah?
An alleyway high with rubbish is spot.
O…so you are happy tat MRT project saved up 16 billions ? Why don you ask country debts shoot up to 800 billions and 600 billions are federal debts in short time oso ?? You said wit cheap return cost ticket to passenger , you are right while you are enjoying the whole MRT facilities. BUT , one thing for sure..when you hungry then you order a nasi lemak tambah mata lembu. Eh! from 4 to 6 ringgit dy..your whole day meals expences are more increasing…thanks your truely PM.
Is that toilet for public use? Looks too good to be true :O
That is disabled toilet. Male and female toilets are bigger.
MRT and cost are different variables. MRT service is needed and appreciated, the cost however can be further lowered e.g we need first-class service and clean toilet not bad service and hotel-class toilet.
Agreed.. but our responsible as a user; please use the public properties wisely and properly.. dont vandalise
No matter how ‘kampung’ you are..please dont squat or ‘ cangkung’ on toilet seat with shoes on..please i beg all malaysia please!!!
Don’t forget to all ‘town’ folk to flush after use ya..
to all those involved in making this project a reality, i salute your hardwork, is has been worth the wait….
And it looks awesome…
Bless those who will benefit from it….
Cheers….
Wow… looks like an amazing service.. definitely will try out during this free period
Thanks Najib. We all love you :)
Overall, my ride yesterday afternoon was overall good with a few problems. At Pusat Bandar Damansara station, there was rain water overflowing from some parts of the roof (near the entrance) which makes it slippery for walking. Even the rain water got into the lift. The walk path connecting to Surian Tower at Mutiara Damansara station was not ready. In the train, 100% reliance on the electronic screen for directions and station. It’s a good idea to include some analog directional map in case of faulty screen. Some toliets were wet.
don’t forgetvthe labour of migrants who toiled day and night so we pampered Malaysians could have this convenience, a few paid with their lives. we only ‘suffered’ congestion.
Have to admit, the train is so nicely designed, especially the front part. Looking forward to board one of these when I have the opportunity visiting KL later.
This is corruption project from clown government. We are not support this project. They must learn from the DAP how for manage economy more great, with balance in budget for spend on rakyat make good. We very happy with Penang the government have respect all race.
Either this is sarcasm, or this person really thinks spending 300 mil for a tunnel study is worth it.
Brought my kids to enjoy train experience but it was not a very enjoyable experience. Train was stuck for 20+ minutes at one station where the platform doors kept opening and closing while train doors remained open. They made an announcement but it was really poor. The voice is not loud enough and was not sure what to do. Train doors finally closed and it was stopped for another 10 minutes at the next station. I don’t really think you could call this job well done when you spent 1b/km.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1199679590121857&set=gm.1217402291680398&type=3 Sadly, if commuters like this parks irresponsibly at parking for OKU, the disabled where there is no sticker or signs that car owner is a person or persons with disability, it is still an inconsiderate and irresponsible act that must be viralled and the MRT take action on this.
nope. its not just u danny. seriously, its effect my arrival time to office and my ‘performance’ of coz. this mrt project seriously take too much of my precious time and money. i even thought of suing them. huh!
Normal.. 1st time take the MRT, not only the MRT have glitch, us as 1st time customer also will have glitch in term of our time and don’t know where to go. 1st time late acceptable, 2nd and later also late even knowing the total time to travel in MRT, is totally on you. BTW it’s free to ride the MRT until next month isn’t?
Tried the train from TTDI to Bandar Utama yesterday.
Overall i can say that it was a good experience with minor problems. As many have said, the train stays on the platform for longer than usual.
Once reach Bandar Utama, the link to 1 Utama is not ready. So u need to take the feeder bus which was packed to the brim.
Besides that, it was great. Trains were new and very quiet
Good job MRT Corp.
Although we are many years behind some countries in MRT, still better than none.
People born after the Bas Mini generation, you guys are the lucky ones. Let us work hard for the future generation.
*Strangely I still think those days on ‘Bas Mini’ were more fun..haha. RM0.60 per trip plus yelling of ‘Masuk Dalam’ from the fat lady conductor on bus number 12 from KL to SS2 PJ.
it was a disaster, it took us half hour from ttdi to one utama (bandar utama) (one station/stop), as we need to wait for the mrt shuttle bus when we reach bandar utama. Upon return, we spent 1 hour to depart from one utama to ttdi as the bus went one big round to ttdi housing area before reaching bandar utama mrt. (the distance from one utama to bandar utama is just about 500-1km distance). Again, we waited the mrt about 20min+ to reach ttdi due to platform got problem not moving. They should have built a walking bridge to one utama one link the mrt to one utama in stead of locating it near tv3. Also please improve your bus route. there should be a special shuttle bus from mrt to one utama due to it is a famous tourist spot.
Just to inform everyone the Park & Ride at One Utama is so expensive. I though it was under MRT but instead it was uner One Utama Management – Powerhouse. I got a total shock when I parked my car in the morning to take the MRT to work and when I return my PARKING FARE WAS RM31.00.
I felt so cheated when the MRT guys said they had nothing to do with the parking fees as it was under a different company. THEN WHY DOES RAPID BRAGG ABOUT THIS PARK N RIDE FACILITY. NO ONE WANTS TO PAY RM30 PER DAY FOR PARKING.
Parking at 1U MRT Station is a killer. Do they hv special concession for regular MRT users fr 1U to Museum? I use their Rapid Card.
Project that benifit the people in Klang Valley. Thanks to Datuk Seri Najib our PM.Those who condemed this just because they don’t need the MRT. Mostly the high income group.
Train 1261 pintu 5, penghawa dingin rosak dari MRT Maluri 5:20 petang hingga MRT Sg Jernih 5:41.
Sebaiknya gantikan/berhentikan Train ini semasa perjalanan atau perkhidmatanya.
KOMEN UNTUK MENINGKATKAN MUTU PERKHIDMATAN.