SHAH ALAM, July 4 — By late morning yesterday, the newly opened Glenmarie 2 station saw a steady stream of visitors, with families, students, and curious residents eager to experience the Shah Alam Line (LRT3) on its first weekend of operations.
Many took advantage of the government’s one-month free ride offer, turning a regular Saturday into an opportunity to explore the new rail service with loved ones.
The fare exemption drew riders of all ages, as the station buzzed with excitement over the long-awaited addition to the Klang Valley’s public transport network.
Among those enjoying the new service was accounts payable worker Lee Lyn, who described the LRT3 as an ideal way for families to spend quality time together while exploring different parts of the Klang Valley.
Lee, who was with her family, said they planned to try riding the new line and explore the route that links Bandar Utama, Petaling Jaya, to Johan Setia, Klang.
“It is a very good opportunity for families,” she said when at the station yesterday, adding that the one-month free ride had made it more affordable for households to plan outings and experience the new line together.
Lee’s husband Mohd Haziq Hamzah echoed the sentiment, saying the free rides had encouraged his family to try out the service during its introductory period, which will last until July 31.
His family had yet to decide on a destination, but with 20 stations along the LRT3 line, they were happy to turn the journey into an adventure.
“Everyone should try it while it is still free this month,” Haziq said.
By midday, the trains were becoming increasingly crowded, with much of the standing space filled as passenger numbers continued to rise, including wheelchair users.
At several stations, the growing turnout meant some commuters had to wait for another train before being able to board, while platforms along the line remained lively with steady movement and anticipation.
Despite the congestion, the mood remained upbeat. Families with children mingled with groups of youths and curious residents, creating an atmosphere more akin to a weekend outing than a routine journey on public transport.
Customer service worker Siti Nurul Ajilah Ayob, who was boarding the train with her husband and two children at Kerjaya station, said the free rides had encouraged many families to make the trip together.
She also predicted that weekends will be the best time for working parents like her to take their families to try out the new line.
“I think many of those here are parents bringing their children to try the experience while it is free,” Siti told Media Selangor, excitement etched on the faces of her two children.
For some, the opening of the new line and the one-month free ride initiative offered an opportunity to leave their cars at home and opt for rail travel instead.
Warehouse administrator Khoo Teck Chuan said the LRT3 makes it easier for people to travel around the Klang Valley, particularly to destinations they might not have considered before.
“It is convenient for us to go all the way to the Kuala Lumpur city centre,” the father of three said.
Khoo added that the rail service provides easier access to shopping malls and other attractions along the route, making family outings more convenient and enjoyable.
The LRT3, which officially began operations on Monday (June 29), spans approximately 37.8km and cost about RM21 billion to complete.
During its launch, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that free rides would be offered for one month, until July 31, including Prasarana Malaysia Bhd feeder bus services along the route.
