Some Ampang Line Light Rail Transit (LRT) commuters are disappointed with a new requirement which makes it mandatory for them to switch trains at the Chan Sow Lin station during their commute toward the city centre.

Their grouse is mainly with the recent congestion at Chan Sow Lin's Platform 1B, for trains heading towards Sentul Timur from the stations along the Ampang Line.

“This is worse. You have to wait for so long. This one should be going straight only,” said Emma Joban, 53, a housekeeper from the Philippines.

Previously, trains travelling down the line will proceed straight to Sentul Timur, alternating with trains from the Seri Petaling Line.

Now, passengers from the eight stations along the Ampang line will have to alight at the Chan Sow Lin station and board another train heading into the city centre.

“It's a bit congested, and inconvenient for me because I am taking the train from the last station, Ampang station.

“Last time, the Ampang line leads straight to Bandaraya station, but now I need to transit another train to Sentul Timur,” said Kelvin Koh, 40, a software engineer.

Olivia Chan (photo), 57, an office administrator heading to Subang Jaya, expressed her disappointment with RapidKL's previous promise of seamless travel.

“If it's seamless, why do we still have to change stations? I'm quite disappointed with the switch to this system,” she said.

However, Olivia was satisfied with the LRT Line Extension Project in general.

“Actually, it is very convenient and also very fast. For a start, there will be problems, delays and things like that. Well, things will smoothen out soon,” said Olivia.

Vishaline Ravi (photo), an 18-year-old student, shared Olivia’s sentiment.

“It's good. It is easy for all passengers to use this train. I'm satisfied so far. The time is not wasted,” she said.

Sheila Mading, 27, a banker, noted the congestion since the new train routings was implemented.

“The condition in the train is congested, more congested than the last time. Previously, the trains aren't like this,” she said.

Graphic designer, Teow Tian Hai (photo), 27 concurred with her views.

“I think most of the people don't know they need to change trains until they arrive at this station and everything becomes so crowded,” he added.

RapidKL has apologised to Ampang line passengers for any inconvenience caused by the new transit requirement at the Chan Sow Lin station, but stated that it was necessary.

"This is unavoidable due to the operation of 12 new stations along the Sri Petaling line. The number of passengers heading to the city centre from Putra Heights is a lot more, and that has to be prioritised," said RapidKL.

The company also apologised for the delays that took place on July 17 and 18, citing technical problems.

"We appreciate the patience and tolerance of the passengers," said Ahmad Nizam Mohamed Amin, chief operating officer of the LRT operatior, Rapid Rail Sdn Bhd.

The Ampang LRT line has been in operation since 1998, and is one of the lines extended through the recent RapidKL's LRT Line Extension Project.

The project was completed this year and has been in operation since July 17.