LRT service from Kelana Jaya to Ampang Park suspended for a week

The LRT service between Kelana Jaya and Ampang Park stations is expected to remain closed for a week starting today.

In all, the service disruptions involve 16 stations - mostly located in the most densely populated parts of the Klang Valley.

According to Rapid KL, other LRT stations will continue to operate. However, the services will end an hour earlier at 11pm.

Rapid KL's announcement was made at approximately 5am today on their social media accounts.

The same 16 stations were closed yesterday during the evening rush hour, causing an uproar among regular commuters.

This is the worst-ever disruption to hit the line since it went operational in 1998.

Where's the minister?

Many Twitter users were complaining of heavier than usual traffic jams in the Klang Valley this morning, while some claim that they had no choice but to drive due to the LRT service disruption.

Some also vented their frustrations on caretaker transport minister Wee Ka Siong and demanded an explanation from him.

For instance, DAP social media bureau chief Syahredzan Johan complained that Wee has not spoken about the LRT service disruption since yesterday.

Old problem

In the past year, LRT users have complained of delayed services and long waits between trains, causing congestion in stations during peak hours.

This happens when trains have to be taken out of service for maintenance.

In June, Wee said trains on the Kelana Jaya line will ideally reach a frequency of every three minutes, once more trainsets are fixed.

He said the trainsets were undergoing preventive maintenance.

Some trainsets were taken out for maintenance earlier than scheduled to refurbish their brake systems, Rapid KL said at the time.

Wee also blamed the lack of parts from China and poor maintenance of the LRT stations where escalators and other amenities are often out of order.

The Kelana Jaya line is the country's most well-used metro rail service, serving about 330,000 riders daily at its peak, many of whom on monthly travel passes.

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