Enhanced RapidKL services during ASEAN Summit in Malaysia
It’s been a while since the word ‘lockdown’ has been in our daily vocabulary list. Understandably, Malaysians went into slight panic mode when we heard that KL was undergoing a ‘total lockdown’, albeit for security measures, ahead of the upcoming 47th ASEAN Summit hosted in Malaysia.
But before we start fretting about traffic woes from road diversions due to the summit, there are measures in place to help ease our commutes. This includes a recent announcement that RapidKL trains, KLIA Express, and KLIA Transit will extend operations during peak hours and increase train frequency to meet the expected surge in commuter traffic on 27th and 28th October 2025.
A 1-hour extension during peak-hour rail services
During the 47th ASEAN Summit, which runs from 26th to 28th October, commuters will benefit from a 1-hour extension during peak-hour rail services on 27th and 28th October. Morning peak hours will now stretch from 6.30am to 10am, while the evening peak period will extend from 4.30pm to 8pm.
This is adjusted from the usual hours of 7am to 9am, and 5pm to 7.30pm. This was shared in a statement released by the Ministry of Transport on 22nd October.
The extended hours are to accommodate the higher volume of passengers caused by traffic disruptions on the road, as authorities have encouraged the use of public transportation during the summit. RapidKL is also ready to deploy additional trains as necessary.
Image credit: Rapid KL / HeartPatrick via Facebook
Likewise, train frequency will be adjusted on the Kelana Jaya LRT line and the KL Monorail during the same period, with other lines operating at the same schedule but with possible increase too if necessary. Here’s the breakdown of the lines and frequencies:
- Ampang / Sri Petaling: 5 minutes
- Kelana Jaya: 5 minutes instead of 7 minutes
- KL Monorail: 8 minutes instead of 10 minutes
- Kajang: 10 minutes
- Putrajaya: 10 minutes
Increased train frequency for KLIA Express & KLIA Transit
From 22nd to 28th October, KLIA Express and KLIA Transit services will also increase train frequency between KL Sentral and KLIA, as roads between KL and KLIA are affected by the traffic diversions. Non-stop express trains will operate at a frequency of 15 minutes between 9am and 9pm, and 20 minutes outside of these hours. The KLIA Transit will add an extra service from KLIA2 to KL Sentral at 1am.
If you regularly use RapidKL On-Demand while in the city centre, a cautionary has been issued on routes in zones that will be affected on 27th and 28th October. They are:
- Laluan 402: LRT Titiwangsa-LRT Maluri
- Laluan 302: LRT Titiwangsa-KLCC
- Laluan 300: Hab Pandan Indah-Lebuh Ampang zone
- Laluan 303: Taman Mulia Jaya-Lebuh Ampang zone
- RapidKL On-Demand: Titiwangsa-Chow Kit and CBD zones
These users are advised to utilise buses and rail services at these stations instead: KLCC Station, Persiaran KLCC Station, Raja Chulan Station, Conlay Station, and Bukit Bintang Station.
Eased travel for commuters during 47th ASEAN Summit in Malaysia
With major highways and roads in and around KL set to face diversions, and more of us turning to public transport in response, having extended hours and increased train frequency will hopefully bring us some peace of mind while we commute during the ASEAN Summit.
Cover image adapted from: RapidKL via Facebook