Kuala lumpur: The current capacity of the Light Rail Transit 3 (LRT3) Shah Alam Line, which began operations today, is sufficient to accommodate projected daily ridership through 2040, despite the project's scope being reduced in 2018, Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Hasbi Habibollah said. He stated that LRT3's capacity stands at 223,560 passengers per day, while the projected daily ridership for its first year of operation is 67,000 passengers.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the line operates 22 three-car train sets, each capable of carrying 6,210 passengers per hour per direction (PPHPD), equivalent to approximately 223,560 passengers daily. Hasbi emphasized that the current capacity is adequate to meet commuter needs. Ridership projections indicate an estimated 126,000 passengers per day in 2030, 219,000 in 2040, and 324,000 in 2050, suggesting that the existing capacity is sufficient through 2040.
Hasbi addressed a question from Muhammad Fawwaz Mohamad Jan (PN-Permatang Pauh) regarding the delay in the completion and commencement of operations of the LRT3 project and its impact on the project's overall cost. He explained that the 37.8-kilometre line connecting Bandar Utama and Johan Setia was delayed due to system integration issues identified during critical testing. However, the delay did not result in an increase in project costs.
He elaborated that integration tests were conducted repeatedly in an iterative process until all issues were resolved to ensure passenger safety, comfort, and smooth operation of the rail service. Hasbi clarified that there has been no increase in project costs, as it is a fixed-price turnkey contract. The contractor is subject to liquidated damages for late completion amounting to RM2.729 million per day.
Meanwhile, Hasbi mentioned plans for the second phase of the LRT3 project after 2030, which will add five stations and seven train sets. He noted that the existing infrastructure is designed to accommodate future capacity expansion, with platforms built to accommodate four-car trains if required.