Residents within Klang Valley will have another public transport alternative when the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT)'s Sungai Buloh-Kajang (SBK) line begins operating this Friday, Dec 16.

The MRT Phase 1 project involves 12 stations between Sungai Buloh and Semantan in Damansara.

Graphic designer Arief Irsyad Mohd Yusoff, 27, who depends on public transport to commute to his workplace said the new train service would enable him to travel conveniently to locations such as Damansara and Bandar Utama.

"It will also ease traffic congestion in high population density areas," he told Bernama.

Retiree Samsudin Jaafar, 63, believes MRT would provide long term transportation even for generations to come.

"For example, it is not just senior citizens like me who can use it, my children and grandchildren depend on it throughout their school days and upon entering the working world to go everywhere," he said.

Public Relations officer Rawahah Mohd Fadil, 27, hopes the new MRT would reduce commuter congestion at LRT, Monorail and bus stations during peak hours.

"Usually during peak hours, LRT and bus stations would be crowded and sometimes commuters have to wait awhile for the next LRT or bus.

"The MRT will also potentially reduce commuters' travel time and the congestion at LRT and bus stations," she said.

Business executive officer Jaafar Sidek Bahrudin, 43, said the MRT transport system could help city dwellers save on costs as compared to using their own vehicles.

"Aside from saving costs on petrol and toll, they can also save on parking as the MRT stations offer parking facilities at a much cheaper rate.

"It can also help in planning trips as most of the areas in Klang Valley will have access to public transport when the MRT Phase 1 opens," he said.

A total of 120 feeder buses would be provided for the 26 routes around the 12 Sungai Buloh to Semantan stations.

The train service is expected to benefit about 400,000 public transport dependents when it becomes fully operational in July, 2017. -- Bernama