THE Light Rail Transit (LRT) and Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) are convenient ways to travel as they save time and are inexpensive.
But this has led to crowded cabins overflowing with passengers, which significantly reduces the comfort of commuters.
How can one avoid this "uncomfortable" situation?
Firstly, it is important to know the peak and off-peak hours. The LRT and MRT open at 6am and close around 11pm to 11.30pm, depending on the stations.
Subsequently, there are four peak hours, which are from 6am to 9am; 12pm to 2pm; 5pm to 8pm, and 10pm to 11pm.
Factors that contribute to peak hours are workers and students going and coming back from work and school, people going for food, tourists exploring attractions and many more.
Therefore, students should travel during off-peak hours.
Secondly, there are applications (apps) and websites that track public transport usage for users to plan rides.
These can be helpful not only to track peak and off-peak hours and timing the journeys, but also to recommend the best route to take.
Some of these apps and websites also notify you when there are ongoing events or maintenance that may affect travel time.
Lastly, Malaysians should take advantage of the daily and monthly travel passes that offer unlimited travel on MyRapid trains and buses.
Because of the unlimited travel, train commuters can choose to get off at less crowded stations or take a bus. But this method is useful only if the user isn't in a rush because it will prolong the journey.
In a nutshell, making the most of the resources at hand and strategic planning are necessary to ensure a comfortable commute.
JANELLE ADORE RENIE
City University Malaysia,
Petaling Jaya, Selangor
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times