KLANG: Commuters will be able to travel for free on the newly launched Shah Alam Line (LRT3) and its feeder bus services for one month from today until July 31, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Speaking at the launch of the Shah Alam Line (LRT3), the Prime Minister said the free rides, introduced by the Transport Ministry, are aimed at encouraging more people to use public transport.
“From tomorrow (today, June 29) until July 31, fares on the Shah Alam Line and feeder bus services along the route will be free for one month,” he said in his speech here yesterday.
Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, he added, will be among the first to use the service when operations begin at 6am today to encourage the public to use the new rail line.
He also thanked Transport Minister Anthony Loke and the ministry for the initiative, saying that while Malaysians want efficient public transport, they also expect fares to remain affordable.
“People want the best transport facilities but they also feel that fares must be reasonable. This is a challenge faced by every country,” he said.
Anwar also praised Prasarana Malaysia Bhd for successfully completing the project, adding that he was assured by engineers that the system has undergone four successful trial runs and is ready for public service.
He quipped that while there is often “tension” between the Transport and Finance Ministries over the cost of such initiatives, he welcomed the decision to provide free travel during the first month of operations, saying it would benefit more commuters.
