Shah Alam:Three months into its operations, the Light Rail Transit 3 (LRT3) Shah Alam Line is positively impacting local economic activity. The increase in ridership has opened new opportunities for traders and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) along the route.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the 37.8-kilometre line not only facilitates resident mobility but also enhances access to commercial hubs and public attractions, including Jambatan Kota in Klang, Section 7, Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), and Shah Alam Stadium. This improved accessibility holds the potential to boost local business and domestic tourism.
Shahjahan Jalal Khan, a cendol vendor at Jambatan Kota, Klang, reports that the opening of the nearby LRT3 station has significantly boosted his family business. Started by his father at Pasar Jawa in the 1970s, the business has seen a rise in sales since the Jambatan Kota Station began operations on June 29. Shahjahan notes they can now sell up to 800 bowls of cendol a day, especially on public holidays and weekends.
The LRT3 line also supports domestic tourism by making attractions around Klang more accessible, such as Little India, the Sultan Abdul Aziz Gallery, and the Laman Seni Safari Jejak Warisan. Tourists can avoid parking issues and traffic congestion by using public transport to travel between locations.
Launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on June 28, the LRT3 spans 37.8 km with an investment of RM16.63 billion. It is expected to benefit approximately two million residents living between Bandar Utama and Johan Setia, Klang. The line connects to the city centre via interchange stations at Glenmarie 2 and Bandar Utama.
Prasarana Malaysia Berhad supports the line's operations with 40 feeder buses and 40 Rapid On-Demand vans, targeting 67,000 passenger trips daily in the first year and projecting an increase to 117,708 trips daily within five years. The My50 pass offered by Prasarana helps reduce daily commuting costs, encouraging more residents to use public transport and freeing up disposable income for economic activities in the area.
Students and entrepreneurs alike have welcomed the LRT3. Muhammad Noor Fadzly, a student, appreciates the greater mobility options, finding it easier to travel to commercial areas for food, services, or daily errands. Snack entrepreneur Lizawati Shukor hopes the LRT3 will attract more customers to her business near Pasar Jawa, with business volume already increasing since its operations began. Meanwhile, student Nurul Asyiqin Mohd Sham has had a positive experience with the LRT3, noting affordable fares, short waiting times, and a comfortable train environment.