AdminMalaysia’s public transportation infrastructure has long struggled with a significant last-mile connectivity gap, leaving commuters facing issues related to accessibility, reliability, and safety. In an effort to alleviate these challenges, SOCAR, the nation’s leading car-sharing and car rental platform, has announced its plan to establish “SOCAR Zones” at 25 key MRT and LRT stations across Malaysia.
The inadequacy of first-and-last mile connectivity has been an ongoing concern for public transport users in Malaysia. Despite numerous attempts to enhance the country’s connectivity infrastructure, the lack of integration between different modes of transport has continued to create inconvenience for daily commuters. SOCAR’s new initiative seeks to address this issue comprehensively.
Shylendra Nathan, CEO of SOCAR, expressed the company’s commitment to resolving this challenge: “As the urban landscape evolves, SOCAR is committed to serving as the missing link in the first and last-mile connectivity issue. We understand the growing challenges commuters face with public transportation, and we aim to bridge that gap by strategically placing our vehicles at major MRT and LRT lines.”
Strategic locations and versatile fleet
The plan includes the strategic placement of ‘SOCAR Zones’ in crucial MRT and LRT stations in the Klang Valley, Selangor, and Ipoh, including high-traffic stations like LRT KL Sentral, LRT Sentul, and MRT Mutiara Damansara. SOCAR’s extensive fleet, ranging from nimble hatchbacks to spacious SUVs, will cater to a wide variety of transportation needs and preferences.
Commuters using these SOCAR Zones will also have access to the company’s “SOCAR-2-YOU” service, which allows for the convenient delivery and collection of booked vehicles from selected locations. Shylendra emphasized, “Commuters no longer need to worry about making that extra journey to pick up their car — with just a few taps on their phone, the car will be right at their doorstep.”
In addition to the convenience of vehicle choice, SOCAR offers a streamlined payment process that allows commuters to pay based on the time and distance they use the vehicle. This flexible payment system ensures that commuters only pay for the exact duration and distance of their journey, eliminating unnecessary expenses. Keyless access further simplifies the pickup and drop-off process, as commuters can access their chosen vehicle with a few taps on their smartphones.
Special discounts for regular commuters
To incentivize regular commuters, SOCAR is introducing the “Commute Pass.” This new offering provides commuters with a remarkable 75% discount, capped at RM160, for hassle-free weekday drives from 6pm to 9am. This pass allows commuters to conveniently start their journey after a workday and return the car the following morning. The Commute Pass is valid on Mondays through Fridays from September 20 to October 23, 2023.
With its commitment to enhancing accessibility, convenience, and affordability, SOCAR is set to transform the urban commuting experience. The establishment of SOCAR Zones, special discounts, and a range of vehicle choices are part of the company’s strategy to make urban travel more accessible and enjoyable for all Malaysians.
For more information and a full list of SOCAR Zones, please visit the SOCAR Zones link.
