COMMUTERS will enjoy a 50% discount on all train fares beginning tomorrow until August 31, Prime Minister Najib Razak said.

Najib said that commuters who are using the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT), Light Rail Transit, Monorail and Bus Rapid Transit will also enjoy the discounts.

He made the announcement after launching the second phase of the MRT route (Sg Buloh-Kajang) at the Bandar Tun Razak station.

“Commuters will get free rides beginning from 4pm to 12 midnight today. The MRT is a game-changer in the public transportation sector as it will benefit 1.2 million users along the lines,” he said.  

Najib also said the MRT had been completed two weeks ahead of schedule before the end of this month, and this had saved the project RM2 billion.

“The project was initially budgeted at RM23 billion but was completed at RM21 billion.”

Its development has generated 130,000 jobs in various fields, of which 70,000 were direct employment with the project, he added.

As a move to reduce traffic congestion in the city, the MRT is expected to take 160,000 vehicles off the roads, and further reductions are expected when Line 3 is completed.

“When the MRT Line 3 is completed in 2027, we expect 700,000 vehicles to be off roads,” Najib said.

He advised commuters to use the MRT, calling it was a much cheaper mode of transport. 

“If a commuter were to use ride hailing apps to get from Sungai Buloh to Kajang, it would cost them RM54, but if they use the MRT, it would cost only RM6.40 for a single trip, or RM5.50 if they use Touch N Go.”

Fares throughout the 51km route with 31 stations will begin at RM1, with a maximum fare of RM6.40. – July 17, 2017.