RapidKL has initiated a trial reopening of the Masjid Jamek LRT station, marking the final test phase before its full-fledged operation slated for late February. The reopening aims to streamline travel for commuters in the Klang Valley, enabling a direct journey to Masjid Jamek Station without the need to switch trains at Hang Tuah Station from February 1 to 16, 2024.
The trial operation, as announced on Rapid KL’s Facebook page on January 31, will evaluate system performance before the public opening. However, commuters heading to the City Center from Masjid Jamek Station will still need to utilise the free shuttle bus service for the continuation of their journey.
The official full reopening is contingent upon assessments and approvals from relevant authorities, with RapidKL expressing its commitment to enhancing train frequency during peak hours. Train intervals will be reduced to 3.5 minutes in central business areas and seven minutes in non-central business areas.
LRT Rapid Rail Chief Operating Officer, Nor Azmi Mohd Yusof revealed that the number of LRT trains will increase from 24 to 31 starting February 1, 2024. This augmentation is part of Rapid Rail’s efforts to restore commuter comfort and potentially increase ridership, eliminating the need for train switches or shuttle bus services.
The decision to reopen the Masjid Jamek route comes after the temporary closure of the Ampang Line on January 27, 2023, due to safety concerns arising from misalignment issues near the Bandaraya LRT station. Initial observations pointed to structural damage to the viaduct, believed to be a consequence of nearby construction activities.
Rapid KL, in a Twitter statement (@askrapidkl), emphasised that safety considerations prompted the temporary closure of the stretch between Masjid Jamek and Bandaraya stations. Trains from Putra Heights were rerouted at Plaza Rakyat, while trains from Sentul Timur reversed at Bandaraya Station.
During the closure, Rapid KL provided a free shuttle bus service between Plaza Rakyat and Masjid Jamek stations to facilitate commuters.
As the Masjid Jamek LRT station resumes operations, RapidKL aims to enhance the overall commuting experience, anticipating increased passenger numbers with the elimination of train switches and shuttle services. The organisation remains committed to the safety and convenience of its passengers and is on track to meet its scheduled full reopening by the end of February 2024.
