SPAD proposes tram service for four areas (Updated)

PETALING JAYA: The Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) will propose to the government to implement a tram service system, connecting the areas of Putrajaya, Cyberjaya, Kajang and Bangi.
SPAD chief executive officer Mohd Azharuddin Mat Sah said the government has given the green-light for the commission to initiate a Request for Proposal (RFP) exercise for bids to implement the new public transportation system.
He said the tram system, the first of its kind in Malaysia, will be integrated with other public transportation systems available along its line, including the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) and the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High Speed Rail (HSR).
"The new system will help to alleviate congestion in the areas. We have not decided when the RFP will be issued, but it will be in the next three to six months.
"We are learning from other countries, both in Asia and Europe, so that we will be using the best technology for the new system," he told a press conference highlighting the Land Public Progress Report 2017 at the Sime Darby Convention Centre today.
Mohd Azharuddin said SPAD had already conducted a feasibility study for the new transportation system, and had identified the areas to be covered.
He added that the electric-powered tram would provide a cleaner, greener and more efficient transport solution for the public in these areas, as well as being suitable for the terrain in question.
"In terms of capital expenditure, it is at least 50% cheaper than constructing a monorail.
"While for the operational cost, it will be 30% to 40% cheaper. Furthermore, it is environmental friendly as well," he added.
He said the tram system, which is expected to be run for 53 km, would be constructed in phases, with priority given to the Putrajaya area.
"The construction of the project will normally take years on average," he said.
Meanwhile, Mohd Azharuddin said there had been an increase of 7.5% of the average daily ridership of rail users last year in the greater Kuala Lumpur region, with 694,057 people in 2017, compared to 645,601 the year before.
However, a declining trend was observed in the average daily bus ridership, which went down by 1% in 2017.
Mohd Azharuddin attributed the decline of bus ridership to the opening of MRT Line 1, as well as the increased popularity of e-hailing services.