KUALA LUMPUR: Prasarana Malaysia Berhad (Prasarana) has applauded the government's allocations for public transport in the 2024 Budget, describing it as proof that the government is concerned with the welfare and wellbeing of the people.
Prasarana, the operator of the LRT, MRT, Monorail and bus services in the Klang Valley, Penang and Kuantan, said they also welcomed all initiatives for public transport as a whole as it is in line with the agenda to dignify public transport.
"This is proof that the Madani Government is very concerned with the welfare and wellbeing of the people in line with the aspirations of Malaysia Madani.
"Prasarana Malaysia Berhad would like to thank the government for the provision and trust given to implement public transport initiatives for the benefit of Malaysians," it said in a statement.
Under the budget, Prasarana said it has been given the provision to continue the My50 monthly pass initiative for public transport users which will benefit nearly 180,000 users.
My50 is an unlimited travel pass worth RM50 per month for Malaysians who use rail and bus services operated by Prasarana.
"This budget also allocates a total of RM4.7 billion to upgrade the LRT3 project (LRT Shah Alam Line) and its support system which is good news for public transport users, especially for those in the western corridor of the Klang Valley which covers areas from Johan Setia, Klang to Bandar Utama, Petaling Jaya.
"It will benefit two million users along the corridor.
"The allocation will be used to reinstate the five stations whose construction was delayed, namely the Tropicana, Raja Muda, Temasya, Bukit Raja and Bandar Botanik stations. The return of these stations is expected to improve the connectivity of LRT3 services," it added.
Prasarana added that the budget also included the acquisition of three additional train sets, improvement of the support system and expansion of the existing depot at Johan Setia.
This also includes the procurement of 150 electric bus units and the construction of three bus depots by Prasarana at a cost of RM600 million to provide the first and last mile facilities for the LRT3 project which is also a step to support nett zero carbon emissions.
