The MRT Sungai Buloh–Kajang line is the ninth rail transit line in the capital city of Kular Lumpur (KL), Malaysia. It was built as part of Greater KL/Klang Valley Integrated Transit System. I was around trying out the new Sungai Buloh line, numbered 9 and coloured green on the official transit map. It is one of three planned rail lines under Klang Valley Mass Rapid Transit Project by Malaysia’s MRT Corp.
The mass rapid system expansion is part of two phrases, with phase 1 commencing service on December 2016 and serving stations between Sungai Buloh and Semantan. Phase 2 saw the extension of the line between Muzium Negara and Kajang, (the new Muzium Negara – Kajang line we are on). It was opened only recently on July 2017 in an opening ceremony by Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Najib Tun Razak at the Tun Razak Exchange station.
Now it is possible to catch the train from the airport right into the heart of KL city and Bukit Bintang. The mass rapid system is largely modeled after the Singapore’s model. You might not be able to tell much the difference between the underground stations apart. General ticketing machines line the exterior of the turnstile gates, allowing you to top up your touch-and-go cards or obtain a single trip token. Platform LCD TV screens provide you train arrival timings up to the third incoming train.
The payment system is fully integrated into the existing MRT and monorail network. A 10 station ride will set you back about 3-4 RM per way lasting about 20-30mins waiting time is 8 minute between trains which is adequate for the current load capacity.
It is nice to see the city taking efforts to being more connected during public transport and moving away from cars and congestion the city is notorious for…
KL city aims to sell the idea and encourage mass rapid transit to avoid congestion in the city. This is done through integration of bus parks and carparks (park and ride) station for cars where commuters can take the train into the city for their last mile of travel.
The trains are running Siemens Inspiro EMU 4 carriage trains. The trains, like the Singapore circle and northeast lines employs a fully automated and driverless rail system. These are the second batch of trains serving the Klang Valley area (Kelana Jaya Line) with are driverless. There are no driver compartments at the front and the back of the train.
The train exterior is sleek, modern with LED front headlamps. The interior of the train are open modern and sleek, cladded with white walls with 4 doors per carriage. The interior size is a little smaller than the Kawasaki and Alstom trains used in the Singapore MRT. Moreover, information is delivered to commuters using digital map screen located over the train doors which is animated showing the next stop as well as the next active door opening side.
The driverless train ride was smooth and pleasant. There was not much sudden acceleration and braking. The trains were not crowded, even on weekends and public holidays, making the travel a breeze and comfortable to the crowds in Singapore. Also, you will have no problems finding a seat throughout your journey.
Furthermore, the train travels mostly underground for most of the of the city areas in the Bukit Bintang area. From here, it transitions to an overground viaduct between Pusat Bandar Damansara and Semantan station. Notably, the overground viaducts are really tall, even towering over road flyovers and buildings. This vantage point gives you unobstructed views of the greater KL area.
The line connects to major interchanges such as the Muzium Negara and Pasr Seni. A favorite stop for most commuters and tourists will be the Bukit Bintang station where the city’s shopping and food district reside.
In all the MRT is a great addition to KL city. It is nice to see the city taking efforts to being more connected during public transport and moving away from cars and congestion the city is notorious for, especially in the heart of the city.
Nice article! I agree that for Singaporeans, it will be a breeze as it is not full. But to have more comfortable journey, avoid peak hours as although not as packed as Singapore’s MRT or Kelana Jaya Line LRT service (sardine pack!), there are still a lot of people and it would be hard to find a seat 🙂