Good news, commuters! The first phase of the Sungai Buloh-Kajang MRT line is now open. This translates to 12 fully operational stations: Sungai Buloh, Kampung Selamat, Kwasa Damansara, Kwasa Sentral, Kota Damansara, Surian, Mutiara Damansara, Bandar Utama, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Phileo Damansara, Pusat Bandar Damansara and Semantan.
If you're expecting crowds of shoppers heading to the Bandar Utama station for 1 Utama or café-hoppers stopping at the Taman Tun Dr Ismail station, there's a possibility of a small turn out. According to The Star, this is because the only connection to the line under Phase 1 is the KTM Komuter at Sungai Buloh. The line also does not connect to other rail-based services and will not go into the city centre. Sad fact aside, you'll cheer up soon as all rides on the MRT as well as feeder bus services will be free of charge for the public until January 16, according to New Straits Times.
With the completion of Phase 2 - which stretches for another 19 stations to Kajang - the line will hopefully decrease the number of cars on the road for residents in areas such as Sungai Buloh, Kota Damansara, Bandar Utama, Cheras and Kajang, which will mean good news for all.
A recap: the first phase of the Sungai Buloh-Kajang MRT line covers 12 stations while the whole 51km line will include 31 stations in total. The second phase from Semantan station to Kajang station is scheduled to be completed and ready for service by July 2017, with an expected 400,000 passengers using it daily.