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KLANG – The Shah Alam LRT Line (LRT3) was officially launched today, marking a major milestone in the expansion of the Klang Valley's public transport network and improving rail connectivity across the western corridor of the region.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim officiated the launch at the Johan Setia Depot after becoming among the first passengers to ride the new line from Seri Andalas Station.
The 37.8-kilometre line connects Bandar Utama to Johan Setia through 20 stations, including interchange stations at Bandar Utama and Glenmarie 2, linking commuters to the Kajang and Kelana Jaya lines.
Speaking at the launch, Anwar described the project as a crucial investment in the country's future, saying efficient public transport generates long-term economic, environmental and social benefits.
"Investment in transport infrastructure may seem costly, but its long-term benefits to the economy and the people are far greater," he said.
He said the Shah Alam Line would help ease congestion along one of the country's busiest transport corridors while reducing travel time, fuel consumption and carbon emissions.
The Prime Minister also called for greater efforts to develop affordable housing around rail stations, saying government-owned land near transit hubs should be fully utilised to make public transport more accessible.
"Large tracts of land around stations should not be wasted. Affordable housing should be developed near public transport stations," he said.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the opening of the Shah Alam Line marked another important step in the government's efforts to build a modern, integrated and world-class public transport system.
"The opening of the Shah Alam Line marks another milestone in the government's efforts to expand a modern, integrated and world-class public transport network," he said.
While acknowledging that the project had experienced delays, Loke stressed that safety and quality had never been compromised.
"Although there were delays, safety and quality remained our top priorities," he said.
He added that the project would not only improve connectivity but also spur transit-oriented development (TOD), with plans to accelerate affordable housing and commercial developments around stations to encourage greater public transport usage.
Prasarana Malaysia Berhad chairman Tan Sri Mohd Nasir Ahmad described the Shah Alam Line as a strategic national investment that would reshape mobility in the western Klang Valley.
"The Shah Alam Line is a strategic national investment that will transform mobility across the western Klang Valley," he said.
He said the line is expected to serve around 67,000 passenger trips a day during its first year of operations, with ridership projected to exceed 117,000 daily within five years.
Nasir said the new line would help reduce traffic congestion, shorten travel times and support Malaysia's transition towards a low-carbon transport system while strengthening economic growth along the corridor.
The Shah Alam Line is expected to benefit more than two million residents across Petaling Jaya, Shah Alam and Klang. To improve first- and last-mile connectivity, the rail service is supported by 13 Rapid KL feeder bus routes and 20 Rapid KL On-Demand zones.
During the ceremony, Anwar also announced that travel on the Shah Alam Line and its feeder bus services will be free from June 29 to July 31 to encourage the public to experience the new service.
