LRT Update: Proposals for improvements for Masjid Jamek Interchange

TRANSIT has noted another interesting posting on the Prasarana Tender Information page inviting tender proposals.

The project is the integration of the fare-paid areas of the Ampang Line and Kelana Jaya line at the Masjid Jamek interchange.

• “CADANGAN INTEGRASI STESEN LRT MASJID JAMEK ALIRAN KELANA JAYA DAN AMPANG UNTUK SYARIKAT PRASARANA NEGARA BERHAD”
• PROPOSAL FOR INTEGRATION OF MASJID JAMEK LRT STATION ON THE KELANA JAYA AND AMPANG LINE FOR NATIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE COMPANY LIMITED

A poorly-connected interchange station

Public transport users in the Klang Valley all know what the Masjid Jamek interchange is like. Interchange between the underground Kelana Jaya line and elevated Ampang line requires a passenger to exit one line, travel a distance exposed to the weather, and pay a separate fare before they can enter the new line and continue on with their journey.

See a larger version of the image above here.

The passenger may have to cross the busy, congested Jalan Tun Perak, or use the tunnel below. There is no lift access to the Ampang line, nor are there any wheelchair lifts at the stations.

A solution that did not accomplish much

The Plaza Masjid Jamek project, which expanded the connecting bridge and covered the area between the Ampang line and Kelana Jaya line does not really help passengers, as you can see from the picture below

A massive project?

We note from the tender that Prasarana is looking at this improvement as a major project:

Experience in construction or upgrading of Railway Stations including its operation system, lift installation, major steel structure works, metal deck roofing, link bridge, working within operational track and platform area are an advantage.

But could the problems at Masjid Jamek be solved with a simple, easy and effective station improvement project that does not have to cost money?

Some people at the Skyscrapercity.com forum think so.

A simple solution?

The idea that is being discussed is actually relatively simple: move the fare gates from the Kelana Jaya line upstairs to street level. Make them into the fare gates for both the Ampang Line and Kelana Jaya lines.

See a larger version of the image above here.

The Plaza Masjid Jamek completed in 2008 becomes a fare-paid area and provides a more direct, sheltered connection between the underground Kelana Jaya line and the elevated Ampang line (bound for Sri Petaling).

The existing tunnel under Jalan Tun Perak also becomes a fare-paid area providing a sheltered and direct connection between the Kelana Jaya line and the elevated Ampang line (bound for Sentul Timur). A lift is built to connect the tunnel to the platform, and incorporated within an expanded fare-paid area on the other side of Jalan Tun Perak.

Finally, the existing entrances to the Ampang line can be moved back from the street and converted to entrance stairways and ramps to allow people to access the station

TRANSIT Says:

The tender process is closing today and we do not have RM1000 to pay for the tender document. Hence, we do not know what Prasarana actually wants to do to integrate the Ampang and Kelana Jaya lines at Masjid Jamek until we ask them (assuming they will tell us).

But what we have seen is that the integration of the Ampang and Kelana Jaya lines has not been taken seriously since 2003 when Prasarana was created and took over the two LRT lines.

The Plaza Masjid Jamek was  a half-measure that did not accomplish much – except to create a covered area. The public still have to walk outside to change between the lines.

The proposal shown above comes from the Skyscrapercity.com discussion forum and perhaps it may not be considered as valid by Prasarana. But it does show that simple solutions can be found for complex problems, if people are willing to listen.

Is Prasarana willing to listen? Perhaps they would be if they have the feedback of many in the public who are telling them to listen.

So please, take a look at the diagrams & photos above and tell us what you think of the proposal for a simple integration of the Ampang and Kelana Jaya lines. And tell your friends to visit this post and give their feedback as well.