GOMBAK: The Gombak Integrated Terminal will operate in stages starting March 15, says Transport Minister Anthony Loke.
After a site visit at the terminal here yesterday, Loke said the bus terminal will start as a drop-off point for passengers before progressing to also becoming a boarding point.
“The ministry and Public Works Department (JKR) will be conducting the final inspection by next week as we are targeting operations to start on March 15,” he said in a press conference at the terminal here yesterday.
Loke elaborated that maiden operations will see buses from the east coast drop passengers off for the first week of operations.
“The second week, operations will continue with passengers boarding the buses to their destinations.
“Hopefully, our target is to have those who want to return to their hometowns for Hari Raya at the end of the month be able to start their journeys at this terminal,” he added.
Loke said the inspection is to ensure details and facilities such as toilets and so on are fully ready before the terminal fully operates.
With the new Gombak integrated terminal operating, Loke also expressed hope that it would reduce congestion at the Terminal Bersepadu Selatan in Bandar Tasik Selatan.
The terminal that is also linked to the Gombak station of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) will be equipped with retail stores and a multipurpose hall that is available for rent by the public.
On facilities and safety features for persons with disabilities (PwD) at the terminal, Loke said that a designated platform has been provided to facilitate their movements.
According to him, once a passenger indicates that they are a PwD, the system will log their status and notify bus drivers that a PwD will be boarding.
“Their status will be communicated to the driver, who will ensure the bus is parked at a PwD-friendly spot,” he said.
Loke also highlighted that the provision of more facilities to improve connectivity, such as travelators from the ERCL Gombak station to the integrated terminal, is under discussion.
“We are looking at constructing either an escalator or walkalator to connect the station and terminal. The distance from the (ECRL station) to the terminal is 100m, while it is 79m to the Gombak terminal of the Kelana Jaya LRT,” said Loke.
The Gombak Integrated Terminal is set to become a major transport hub, integrating bus services, LRT, and the ECRL, which is expected to be completed by December 2026. On the progress of the ECRL, Loke said the project is 79% complete, and the Gombak (ECRL) terminal should be completed by year-end.
The ECRL is a 665km-long railway project connecting Kota Baru, Kelantan, to Port Klang, Selangor, serving both cargo and passengers across 20 stations.
