The Public Transport Users Association (4PAM) wants the government to offer a 50 per cent discount on the newly-announced MRT fares to encourage more people to use public transport.

Its president, Ajit Jhol, said the discount should be applicable for the first six months of travel on the MRT.

“We are asking for a reduced rate to encourage commuters to use the trains.

“It is a new route and people will take a bit of time to get used to all the stops and getting to the stations.

“While MRT is addressing the teething problems, why not give a discounted fare as an incentive for the commuters?” he told FMT.

Ajit was commenting on the fares of between RM1 and RM5.50 under the cashless fare structure that commuters will have to pay to travel along the Sungai Buloh-Kajang (MRT SBK) line, when the trains begin running on December 16.

The maximum fare under the cash fare structure is RM6.40.

“The fare structure has been approved by the government and is based on the nominal flag fall and cascading rates for every 4-5km travelled.

“This is similar to the fare structure of the LRT and Monorail services operated by Rapid Rail, a subsidiary of Prasarana Malaysia Bhd,” said Rapid Rail Sdn Bhd CEO Zohari Sulaiman in a statement.

Ajit also said that the government should introduce a monthly pass at a flat rate for regular commuters.

“While the rates are acceptable to a certain extent, they are not all that cheap.

“If you travel one way it’s RM5 and return, it’s RM10. That comes up to RM200 a month for those working five days a week. So, why not give a discount so everyone can use the MRT?”

Ajit also brought up the possibility of rate increases in the near future.

“Will there be annual fare hikes or a hike in the next 10 years? There shouldn’t be any drastic increase, because in times like these, public transport is the cheapest mode of travel for everyone.”

Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations CEO Paul Selvaraj, while praising the initiative of the government, said the services provided at the station must be up to par.

“While they have a good backbone, other services such as feeder buses and park-and-ride facilities should be in place when operations start. It’s no use if you don’t have a comprehensive transport plan.”

The first phase of the MRT SBK line – which has 12 stops between Sungai Buloh and Semantan — will start next month.

Phase two of the line will cover the remaining 19 stations between Semantan and Kajang. It is scheduled to be operational next July.