KUALA LUMPUR: Hundreds of morning commuters are stranded on their way to work as the Rapid KL’s Light Rail Transit (LRT) service for the Kelana Jaya line is experiencing technical difficulties due to a power trip.
A RapidKL Sdn Bhd spokesman said the power trip happened at about 7am today.
"We are in the midst of resolving the situation," he said.
RapidKL, he said, had sent its shuttle buses to key stations to transport commuters to their desired destinations.
According to MyRapid KL on Twitter, “KJ Line: Train is experiencing delay due to power trip from Masjid Jamek to Ampang Park. Updates to follow. @askrapidklOn.”
According to its subsequent feed, shuttle buses from Sri Rampai to Masjid Jamek have been provided, together with alternate train service from Putra Heights to turn back at Masjid Jamek.
“KJ Line: More shuttle trains deployed between Dang Wangi - Ampang Park-Setiawangsa-Wangsa Maju-Gombak. Follow updates,” its subsequent Twitter feed reads.
It advised customers to seek alternative transport until situation is resolved and would provide more updates.
Announcements about alternative transportation were also made at the affected stations.
At KL Sentral, many commuters are seen leaving the LRT station, but most of them stayed on. Outside the premises, there are long taxi queues.
Most of the commuters are students and working adults who found it difficult to find alternative transportation on this wet morning.
Ammar, 25, from Petaling decided to remain in the queue for the train as he had no other transport options.
“This is my first time using a public transport. Usually, I carpool with my friend to my workplace at the PKNS Building in Petaling. I didn’t expect this at all.
“I hope the LRT services will return to normal soon,” he told the New Straits Times.
Another commuter from Ampang, Alia, 26, said she had been waiting in line for more than an hour.
“I am obviously running late. Looking at the long lines, I had informed my boss that I will be coming in late,” said the employee who was heading to Asia Jaya LRT.
Shuttle buses are currently being provided by MyRapidKl to stranded passengers.
They are: Shuttle bus WVN5644 from Masjid Jamek plying Dang Wangi-KLCC-Ampang Park-Dato Keramat; Shuttle buses WVJ8274, WVC3448 for passengers from Sri Rampai and plying Ampang park-KLCC-Dang Wangi-Masjid Jamek; and Shuttle buses from Sri Rampai plying Jln Jelatek-Jln Ampang-LRT Setiawangsa-LRT Ampang Park-LRT KLCC-Dang Wangi-Masjid Jamek.
Those who seeking alternative transports may receive refund coupons on their paid fare, MyRapidKl said on Twitter.
Its 9am Tweet said power had been now restored between Setiawangsa to Damai.
“Team is still working to power up entire line. Updates to follow,” it said.
Follow @MyRapidKL for more updates. -- Additional reporting by Hani Sharmira Shahrudin and Tharanaya Arumugam