It’s faster for me when I drive to work, nowadays.

A good friend who’s the co-founder of a very famous startup here in Malaysia was asking his friends if they feel that the jams within the Klang Valley has become better ever since the launch of the MRT Sungai Buloh – Kajang. Very few said it’s the same while most were sharing that they felt that the jams have lessened. I replied too that it has gotten better for me as well. I travel from Sungai Buloh toll to city centre every day. These days, even when I leave my home at 730am, it’s almost certain that I will arrive in office before 830am.  It used to 840 or 845am. So, yes it has saved me some time. My good friend said that he also felt that the traffic has gotten better. Just a few days ago, I woke up late and was worried that I would be late for a workshop that I was supposed to conduct. I left my home only close to 8am. I arrived in office at 845am! A little unthinkable because at 8am, it’s already jammed everywhere. Yet, the Duta toll exchange was smooth!
In an article in NST, it seems that someone or some teams must have done some homework and found out that the traffic congestion within the Klang Valley has improved by 22 percent! This improvement came after the launch of the MRT on 17th July. In fact, when earlier numbers showed that the MRT ridership was over 100,000 per day, it has now risen to 200,000 per day!  Assuming only 25% of these people used to drive alone, that’s 50,000 cars off the roads into the city! Okay, if you ask if I am also worried what will happen when the fares go back to full price from 1st September, I would prefer to be more positive. I still think it makes sense for most people who do not need to use their cars for customer visitation to just take the MRT or LRT. In fact, with the current encouragement, more people would be willing to try and this meant that more people may just grow to like it, especially the monetary and more time part. (Can even read a book, hopefully. Instead of just using Facebook which is already a plus).
Today, I was at MidValley mall. The traffic into the car park has NOT changed a bit. Haha. It’s still jammed like usual and I think perhaps the significance of reducing traffic jams could only be seen on working days? After all, how many parents would want to take MRT with their kids or even carrying many grocery bags or even strollers up the public transport? It’s perfectly okay since on a weekend, we should just take it slow after such a tiring 5-day work week right. By the way, once I settle down into my new job, I will see what’s the possibility for me to take the public transport to work. (Yes, I will start a new job on 1st August 2017. Please congratulate me. Haha.)  Do take the MRT because I think once we take it, we can see if there are stations which are not yet congested. Those are the areas we can think about investing in or buying a home for own stay. Think about it, seriously. You have a long time to do so as you are not driving. Cheers.
written on 30 July 2017
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