Rapid Bus Sdn Bhd (Rapid Bus), the operator of Rapid KL bus and MRT feeder bus services, launched a trial bus lane project on Jalan Ampang in partnership with the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) starting from Monday, 3rd July 2023.
The initiative aims to address critical traffic congestion issues along Jalan Ampang by providing a dedicated bus lane.
Alleviating congestion with a dedicated bus lane
The bus lane will span from the Jalan Rhu intersection to the Jalan Tun Razak intersection, covering a significant stretch of Jalan Ampang. This project involves the participation of 34 buses from two essential routes, namely Route 300 (Pandan Indah – Lebuh Ampang) and Route 303 (Taman Mulia Jaya – Lebuh Ampang).
By introducing this trial bus lane, Rapid Bus expects to stimulate a modal shift, encouraging commuters to opt for public transportation and thus reducing the congestion along Jalan Ampang.
During peak morning hours, specifically from 6:00 am to 9:00 am on weekdays, the bus lane will be operational. This timing is strategically chosen to benefit the communities residing along the Jalan Ampang corridor, providing them with a more efficient commuting experience as they travel to the city center for work.
Muhammad Yazurin Sallij, Chief Executive Officer of Rapid Bus, explains, “With the implementation of this bus lane, the Rapid KL bus service will operate more smoothly, leading to potential time savings of up to 20 minutes compared to private vehicle usage.
The bus service on Jalan Ampang not only connects passengers to KLCC but also seamlessly links them to other public transportation options, facilitating their journeys to final destinations. The introduction of new and comfortable double-decker buses and the availability of Park n Ride facilities enhance the overall travel experience.
We encourage the Ampang community to utilize these facilities and make public transportation their primary mode of travel.”
Rapid KL bus: Enhanced connectivity and convenience
By embracing the trial bus lane project, commuters in the Ampang community can take advantage of the Park n Ride facility located at LRT Ampang.
This facility offers affordable parking rates of only RM4.30 per day and serves as a convenient starting point to access the bus services available on Routes 300 and 303, which will transport passengers to the city center. The bus stops are conveniently situated adjacent to the Ampang LRT station, providing easy access for commuters.
Moreover, passengers using the bus services on Routes 300 and 303 have the flexibility to travel beyond the designated bus stops. Various interconnectivity options are available to further their journey, such as:
- Ampang Park LRT/ KLCC LRT/ Dang Wangi LRT/ Masjid Jamek LRT: These stations offer connectivity to Putra Heights or Gombak by accessing the Kelana Jaya LRT line.
- Ampang Park MRT: Passengers can continue their journey to Putrajaya or Kwasa Damansara by utilizing the Putrajaya MRT line.
- Bukit Nanas Monorail: Commuters can seamlessly proceed to Titiwangsa or KL Sentral by utilizing the KL Monorail.
- Masjid Jamek LRT: This station provides connectivity to Putra Heights or Sentul Timur by utilizing the Ampang/ Sri Petaling LRT line.
- KLCC: Passengers can explore the city center and its surrounding areas using the GoKL bus service, providing convenient transportation options.
Rapid Bus’s trial bus lane project on Jalan Ampang, in collaboration with DBKL, demonstrates their commitment to improving commuting conditions and reducing traffic congestion. The introduction of a dedicated bus lane aims to encourage a modal shift towards public transportation, offering a smoother and more time-efficient travel experience.
With the added convenience of Park n Ride facilities and interconnectivity to other public transportation modes, the Ampang community can embrace these initiatives to make public transportation their preferred mode of travel.
Users can download the PULSE app from Google Play and the App Store to plan their journeys, use the Google Maps app to locate bus stops, and visit the official Rapid KL website at https://www.myrapid.com.my for the latest information.