KUALA LUMPUR – The Light Rail Transit Line 3 (LRT3), now known as the Shah Alam LRT line, has been developed to connect passengers from the western corridor of Klang Valley and is currently on track for the commencement of its first 20 stations by March 2025.
Stimulating economic growth and development
By encouraging high-density, mixed-use real estate development around the stations with an emphasis on transit-oriented developments, the Shah Alam LRT line will spur the revitalisation of communities in Petaling Jaya, Shah Alam and Klang along with creating employment opportunities.
Areas around LRT stations often see an increase in commercial activity as the accessibility improves, which can lead to higher property values and more business opportunities.
For example, some of the LRT3 stations enable commuters direct access to shopping malls – benefitting both residents and business owners alike.
The Shah Alam line links townships together into integrated regions that can then function as a single, stronger economy – thus creating thousands of employment opportunities.
The line is expected to expand the labour market, offering workers a wider network of employers and vice versa.
Improved mobility and accessibility
The Shah Alam LRT line project also enhances socioeconomic development and quality of life for the people in Klang Valley, connecting the community requiring various levels of accessibility to education centres, and residential, commercial and industrial areas.
The line is making public transport socially inclusive and accessible for all individuals, able-bodied or those with disabilities or mobility challenges.
By providing affordable and dependable public transport, the Shah Alam line can help reduce social exclusion by improving access to education, healthcare, and other services for lower-income households.
There are many facilities available for the public at the Shah Alam LRT line’s stations, such as lifts, escalators, ramps, tactile paving, covered walkways, pedestrian crossings, dedicated parking spaces for PwDs, public toilets, and surau.
Environmental benefits
The benefits of public transit are a sustainable alternative to private car travel, directly making a positive impact on the environment by lowering an individual’s carbon footprint and improving air quality.
The carbon footprint of transportation includes both carbon dioxide and other harmful greenhouse gas emissions. A higher carbon footprint means more damage to the environment.
As public transport is often less carbon-intensive than personal car use, increased LRT usage can reduce carbon footprint and energy consumption.
Compared with driving alone, taking public transportation reduces CO2 emissions. A decrease in the number of vehicles on the road can lead to better air quality, decreasing pollutants in the atmosphere and reducing noise pollution.
Improving social equity
As the Shah Alam LRT line provides access to Port Klang, the 13th busiest port in the world, it will add tremendous capacity to existing transportation linkages.
Its completion is expected to benefit 74,000 passengers and 500,000 residents by improving connectivity and reducing traffic congestion in the region.
The reduction and efficiency of travelling time will no doubt add to the improvement of quality of life. The efficient and cost-effective LRT systems can enhance the overall quality of life by reducing commute times and travel costs for the general population.
The LRT is part of a reliable, efficient, integrated and sustainable land public transport system, providing commuters with seamless travel options to encourage economic growth, provide efficient mobility to all, and improve quality of life – all while helping the environment. – March 13, 2024
