LRT3 Shah Alam Line Enhances Mobility Access, Drives Local Economy

SHAH ALAM, Oct 2 (Bernama) -- Three months into its operations, the Light Rail Transit 3 (LRT3) Shah Alam Line has begun to generate positive impacts on local economic activity when the rise in ridership along the route has created new opportunities for traders and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Beyond merely facilitating resident mobility, the 37.8-kilometre (km) line enhances access to commercial hubs and public attractions including Jambatan Kota in Klang, Section 7, Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), and Shah Alam Stadium thereby holding the potential to boost local business and domestic tourism.

For Shahjahan Jalal Khan, 48, a *cendol* vendor at Jambatan Kota, Klang, the opening of the nearby LRT3 station has brought a welcome boost to the family business, which was originally started by his father at Pasar Jawa in the 1970s.

Shahjahan, who took over the business in 2015, noted that while he previously relied heavily on regular customers, sales figures have risen since the Jambatan Kota Station began operations on June 29.

"We can now sell up to 800 bowls of cendol a day, especially on public holidays and weekends," he said.

He added that the LRT3 line also has the potential to support the domestic tourism sector by making it easier for the public to visit attractions around Klang, such as Little India, the Sultan Abdul Aziz Gallery, and the *Laman Seni Safari Jejak Warisan* (Heritage Trail Art Safari).

"Tourists do not need to worry about parking issues or traffic congestion, as they can use public transport to travel from one location to another," he said.

The LRT3 project, launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on June 28, spans a 37.8 km alignment with an investment of RM16.63 billion and it is expected to benefit approximately two million residents living between Bandar Utama and Johan Setia, Klang.

The Shah Alam line connects to the city centre via interchange stations at Glenmarie 2 and Bandar Utama.

To support the line's operations, Prasarana Malaysia Berhad has deployed 40 feeder buses and 40 Rapid On-Demand vans, targeting 67,000 passenger trips daily in the first year of operation, with a projected increase to 117,708 trips daily within five years.

Meanwhile, the My50 pass offered by Prasarana helps reduce daily commuting costs for users, thereby encouraging more residents to use public transport and freeing up disposable income for economic activities within the areas along the alignment.

Student Muhammad Noor Fadzly, 25, said the introduction of the LRT3 provides greater mobility options, particularly for commuting to campus, commercial areas, and attending to daily needs.

"I used to rely heavily on my own vehicle and had to deal with traffic congestion, but now it is much easier to travel to commercial areas for food, services, or daily errands," he said.

Meanwhile, snack entrepreneur Lizawati Shukor, 46 who has been in business for 25 years hopes the arrival of the LRT3 will attract more customers to her business location near Pasar Jawa.

According to her, business volume has increased since the LRT3 began operations, instilling confidence that the area can continue to serve as an economic hub for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

She said the business location, which has been operating since the 1970s, not only holds historical significance but also has the potential to benefit from improved public transport accessibility.

Meanwhile, first-year student Nurul Asyiqin Mohd Sham, 20, said her first experience riding the LRT3 gave her a positive impression of the new public transport facility, citing affordable fares, short waiting times, and the comfortable train environment.

-- BERNAMA