Wednesday June 27, 2007
LRT services the way to go
I REFER to the letter by Moaz Yusuf Ahmad of Subang Jaya on the question of whether “Subang LRT link a viable option” which appeared in StarMetro on June 7.
Moaz mentioned that it would be better to concentrate on the existing bus system and shelters before spending money on the LRT project and the technical problems of building the LRT line over the Kewajipan Roundabout.
First of all, the Federal Government has not decided on the routes for the extension of the Putra LRT from Kelana Jaya to Subang Jaya / USJ.
The routes mentioned by Moaz were only a proposal from me after my discussion with residents and the Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ).
Anyway, the proposed route does not require a flyover at the existing three-tier interchange at the Kewajipan Roundabout.
It will only pass beside it before going to Bandar Sunway and then cross over to USJ via the Kesas Highway. I disagree with him that spending monies on the LRT is a waste of funds.
We have seen from proven examples in the big cities of the world that train services are the best method of moving people.
It does not use the existing road system and does not have to stop for traffic lights.
Any modern city that does not have such train services will face traffic congestion.
After all, the introduction of Rapid KL buses has not eased traffic congestion.
Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo had recently announced that LRT is the only way to ease traffic congestion and that the state government has allocated RM12billion to extend LRT services to all major towns in Selangor.
Hence, I urge the Federal Government to continue with the Putra LRT extension to Subang Jaya .
LEE HWA BENG
Subang Jaya State Assemblyman
