Rapid KL U-turns on decision to end social distancing on its services

PETALING JAYA: Hours after announcing that it was ending social distancing measures on all its trains come Wednesday (June 10), Rapid Rail Sdn Bhd has now reversed its decision.

The firm, which runs Rapid KL rail services, said it will adhere to the government's decision to continue social distancing measures in the LRT, MRT and Monorail.

"This policy will be implemented until a new decision has been made by the government.

"We urge all passengers who will return to work on June 10 to adhere to the policies and cooperate with the Rapid KL team on duty at the stations," the company said in a statement Tuesday (June 9) afternoon.

It also reminded passengers to plan their journeys considering the increasing number of passengers.

Earlier, its chief operating officer Abdul Hadi Amran said the firm was ending its social distancing rules onboard its trains in line with the recovery movement control order (MCO) starting June 10.

He had said the standard operating procedures (SOPs) by the Transport Ministry allowed 100% capacity of passengers on all rail services except ETS and KTM Intercity.

"Starting June 10 under the recovery MCO, the LRT Kelana Jaya line, LRT Ampang/Sri Petaling, MRT Sungai Buloh-Kajang line and monorail line, which are managed by Rapid KL, will end the social distancing rules in the trains.

"Social distancing markers in the trains and stations have already been removed," he had said in a statement Tuesday morning.

However, safety and health procedures such as body temperature checks on staff and passengers, compulsory face mask and hand sanitiser use will continue to be in place, Abdul Hadi said.

Cashless transactions such as monthly passes or Touch N Go are encouraged, said Abdul Hadi, adding that passengers are also encouraged to download the MySejahtera app.

"Disinfection and cleaning activities at stations and trains will continue to be done frequently as in the past.

"We thank our passengers and together, let us practice this new normal in our lives to go through the Covid-19 recovery period safely and successfully," added Abdul Hadi.

For further information on Rapid KL rail services, passengers are advised to check its social media platforms on Facebook at @myrapid, Twitter @MyRapidKL or call 03-7885 2585.