CLARITY to the roles of the asset and operator of the upcoming MRT Line was underlined by Malaysia Rapid Transit Corporation Sdn Bhd (MRT Corp) to the media.

This was addressed during the briefing session titled ‘Project Readiness & Operator Model’ which was led by MRT Corp Operations & Assets Management Director Encik Mahmood Abdul Razak on 21 July 2016 at the MRT Information Centre, Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah.

A short project progress update of the MRT Sungai Buloh-Kajang (SBK) Line was presented by Mahmood to the attendees and highlighted that the alignment is at 86.25% complete. Among the completed works for the elevated works are the elevated guideways and track work on the viaduct section. All civil structural works for the elevated sections except for Kajang Station are completed.

All 24 trains required for Phase One of operations have been delivered to the MRT Sungai Buloh Depot. Testing is currently ongoing for all systems and the target date for trial operations is for 1 October 2016.

Following the formal appointment of Rapid Rail Sdn Bhd on 30 June 2016 as the operator of the SBK Line, MRT Corp will continue being the asset owner. The two parties will be working together in ensuring the SBK Line will run smoothly throughout operations.

Under the agreement, Rapid Rail has been appointed as the operator for a term of 10 years with an option of an extension for another 5 years. MRT Corp would remain as the asset owner.

Mahmood explained that Rapid Rail will operate the MRT line and retain all fares collected, while MRT Corp will retain non-fare revenue. Amongst these are revenues from advertising space and retail leasing.

With regard to the potential fares of the MRT, Suruhanjaya Pengangkutan Awam Darat (SPAD) will set them. Prasarana Malaysia Berhad will also operate the feeder bus system that will provide first and last-mile connectivity to the MRT network.

The responsibility of promoting the usage of the MRT will be done by Rapid Rail whilst MRT Corp will continue to design and build lines in potential expansion of the MRT Project.

To end formalities for the day, there was a short question and answer session where the media managed to gain further information on the MRT Project.

Light refreshments were  then provided to attendees of the briefing.