AN AUTOMATED Rapid Transit (ART) trackless tram is undergoing a trial run in Putrajaya until July 31.
If all goes well, the tram service is expected to kick off by year-end.
Putrajaya Corporation (PPj) collaborated with the Transport Ministry and its agency, the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research, in coordinating and evaluating the pilot project, aimed at supplementing the existing public transport system in the administrative capital.
PPj engineering and maintenance department senior engineer Muhammad Masrizal Saad said the three-coach tram would operate in two routes.
“Route 1 will be for weekdays, starting from Putrajaya Sentral MRT station, heading towards Dataran Putra and Lingkaran Gemilang, before heading back to the starting point.
“Route 2 will run on weekends, also starting from Putrajaya Sentral MRT station, heading towards IOI City Mall and back.
“Rides will be free throughout the trial period. The public are encouraged to try it out,” he said.
The tram will make three trips per day, starting from Putrajaya Sentral at 8.30am, 11.30am and 2.30pm.
“Passengers need to scan the QR code available in the tram to register their ride and complete a survey.
“The survey will also help us collect data for improvement of the tram services,” he told the media at Nadiputra depot in Precinct 9, where the tram will be parked and charged up.
The Putrajaya tram service is free throughout the trial until July 31.
Muhammad Masrizal said the electric vehicle could accommodate up to 307 passengers at a time.
“It is also accessible for wheelchair-users. The tram driver will help to attach a ramp when necessary,” he said.
Many people are expected to try out the new public transport system.
The tram made its debut at the Putrajaya Open Day in February and was a hit among visitors.
It was learned that over 10,000 people took the free tram rides during the four-day event.
“We are delighted to be a part in making the proof of concept a success, and look forward to receiving feedback from the public during this phase to enhance the service,” he added.
StarMetro checked out the tram on the trial run and spoke to some commuters.
Former government servant Nik Affida Nik Abdul Rahman, 62, from Bangi said she and her two friends decided to check out the tram service after reading about it on social media.
“We are retirees and we have a lot of time on our hands.
“We learned about the tram service and decided to meet up and try the ride,” she said.
The trio went around one full loop and got off at the MRT station, where they started.
Wheelchair-bound Abdul Hamid Junid, 60, from Ampang was also among the commuters.
He was waiting for a bus to take him to the Immigration Department when he saw the tram and decided to hop on.
“My wife and I always take the bus. We did not know about the tram until we saw it pull over at Putrajaya Sentral.
“I am glad that wheelchair users like me are also able to use the tram. It is a pleasant ride,” he said.
Another retiree Zainol Awang, 69, came all the way from Karak, Pahang to try the ride.
He said the tram could become an attraction in the city, as it was a new mode of transportation for Malaysians.
