KUALA LUMPUR: MRT Corp is cautious over ridership numbers for the MRT Putrajaya line ahead of its launch next Thursday.
Putrajaya line project director Amiruddin Ma’aris said the increase in private vehicle purchases during the Covid-19 pandemic likely meant that fewer people would use public transport.
“We expect ridership to increase slowly, given that the purchase of private vehicles has not been reduced, in part due to tax exemptions.
“The public will continue to use private vehicles as they service their car loans rather than take on extra transportation expenses,” he told reporters at a media briefing for the Putrajaya line.
Amiruddin added that commuters were still hesitant to take public transport amid concerns about Covid-19.
He urged the government to implement policies to encourage greater use of rail and bus services.
“Infrastructure and services must come with the relevant policies,” he said. “All these push and pull factors must come together for people to opt for public transport.”
Phase 1 of the MRT Putrajaya line will begin operating at 3pm on June 16.
The 12 stations which will be open are Kwasa Damansara, Kampung Selamat, Sungai Buloh, Damansara Damai, Sri Damansara Barat, Sri Damansara Sentral, Sri Damansara Timur, Metro Prima, Kepong Baru, Jinjang, Sri Delima and Kampung Batu.
Phase 2, from Kampung Batu to Putrajaya, will begin operations next January.
