ASEAN Summit: Enhanced Public Transport To Ensure Smooth Travel

PUTRAJAYA, Oct 22 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Transport (MOT) is enhancing public transport operations to ensure smooth movement of the public and international delegates in conjunction with the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur from Oct 26 to 28.

In a statement today, MOT said that Rapid KL will extend train operations during peak hours, increase service frequency, deploy additional staff at major stations, and step up operational monitoring throughout the period.

“This initiative is in line with the MADANI Government’s efforts to provide a more convenient, efficient and agile public transport system, consistent with the principles of compassion and public well-being under the Malaysia MADANI concept.

“The improvements are also aimed at encouraging the use of public transport following the phased road diversions and dispersal measures implemented by the authorities along several key routes into and out of the capital during the summit period,” MOT said.

From Oct 27 to 28, Rapid KL’s rail services will be extended by one hour during the morning and evening peak hours.

Train frequency will also be increased on Oct 25 and 26 to accommodate the expected rise in passenger numbers.

“Rapid KL will deploy additional trains should there be a surge in passengers or as required by operational needs.

“A total of 400 additional staff will be stationed at key stations to help facilitate the movement of commuters and ASEAN delegates,” the statement said.

As for bus and Rapid KL On-Demand services, MOT said several routes are expected to experience delays due to road closures in the city centre.

These include Route 402 (LRT Titiwangsa – LRT Maluri), Route 302 (LRT Titiwangsa – KLCC), Route 300 (Pandan Indah Hub – Lebuh Ampang), Route 303 (Taman Mulia Jaya – Lebuh Ampang), Rapid KL On-Demand (Titiwangsa Zone – Chow Kit) and Rapid KL On-Demand (CBD Zone).

Passengers heading to KLCC and nearby areas are advised to use rail services as an alternative.

Nearby stations include KLCC Station (Kelana Jaya Line); Persiaran KLCC Station (Putrajaya Line); Raja Chulan Station (KL Monorail); Conlay Station (Putrajaya Line); and Bukit Bintang Station (Kajang Line and KL Monorail). 

MOT said the KLIA Ekspres will operate as usual with increased train frequency to ensure smooth travel for ASEAN Summit delegates as well as passengers to and from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (Terminals 1 and 2).

“For the KLIA Transit service, an additional train will be provided at 1 am from KLIA Terminal 2 to KL Sentral.

“The KLIA Ekspres and KLIA Transit schedules from Oct 22 to 28 have also been updated to accommodate the expected increase in passenger volume during the period,” the statement added.

MOT said Rapid KL and Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad have given an assurance that all public transport assets and facilities are in good condition and fully prepared to handle the expected rise in passengers throughout the 47th ASEAN Summit.

The ministry also urged city residents to make full use of public transport facilities to facilitate travel to key areas and help ease traffic flow during the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits.

-- BERNAMA