Shah Alam is moving beyond its initial trial phase for micromobility, with the local authority now formally integrating e-scooters and electric bicycles into its development framework ahead of the LRT3 launch.
The move expands on the National Regulatory Sandbox (NRS) for Micromobility launched in the city in March 2023, which was established as a one-year testing environment to monitor the feasibility of such vehicles.
Mayor Datuk Zabidah Safar said Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) had since received approval from Transport Ministry to implement these as permanent pilot zones, covering the city centre as well as Sections 4, 5, 6 and 7.
“This serves as a testing ground for Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros) to develop guidelines on the use of micromobility on public roads,” she said after MBSA’s full board meeting.
The initiative is part of a broader strategy to ensure seamless zoning and traffic planning for upcoming LRT3 stations, including Stadium Shah Alam, UiTM Shah Alam, Dato Menteri and Section 7.
Zabidah said these preparations were strictly guided by the MBSA Local Plan, with zoning considerations addressed early to avoid integration hurdles.
“The zoning for LRT3 has already been taken into account in our local plan, so there is no issue in terms of zoning or interventions in those areas.”
To bolster this ecosystem, Zabidah said MBSA was utilising its transit-oriented development (TOD) framework.
She said implementation involved collaboration with developers, such as working with Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS) to link the Dato Menteri LRT station to SACC Mall and Alam Sentral.
To solve the last-mile hurdle, she said MBSA was also partnering with Rapid Bus to enhance feeder services.
“This includes demand-responsive transit (DRT) for areas with lower passenger volumes.”
She added that bus routes would be adjusted ahead of the LRT3 launch, with new routes in Section 7 and re-routing of existing services to ply the stations.
Other station improvements, Zabidah said, would be incorporated into development plans, with specific requirements imposed on Prasarana Malaysia Bhd.
Addressing environmental and safety concerns, the mayor noted that while no major flood hotspots were identified near stations, all new developments must comply with the latest standards set by the Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID).
“Developers must follow the latest requirements, including platform levels and drainage, to ensure no issues arise,” she said.
On Feb 23, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the LRT3 Shah Alam line was expected to begin by June, following rigorous “fault-free run” testing to ensure signalling and software systems met safety standards.
