RapidKL has announced a significant enhancement to its public transportation services with the introduction of women-only coaches on the LRT Ampang/Sri Petaling line, scheduled to begin operation on December 31, 2024. This initiative marks the first implementation of gender-specific coaches in RapidKL's LRT network, following similar successful implementations on other rail services in the Klang Valley.
The new service aims to provide female passengers with a safer and more comfortable commuting experience. The dedicated coaches will be easily identifiable through pink-themed designs, clear signage, and distinctive floor decals. Preparations for the launch were noticed by commuters earlier in December when platform markers began appearing, although the train interiors had yet to be modified at that time.
This development follows a broader trend in Malaysia's rail services to accommodate female passengers' needs. The MRT network pioneered such services on its modern lines, with the Kajang Line introducing women-only coaches in September 2023, followed by the Putrajaya Line in April 2024. However, the concept of women-only coaches in Malaysian public transportation dates back to April 2010, when KTM Komuter first implemented this service, establishing an important precedent in gender-specific accommodations.
The introduction of women-only coaches on the LRT Ampang/Sri Petaling line represents RapidKL's commitment to enhancing passenger comfort and safety while aligning with established practices across Malaysia's integrated rail network. This addition is expected to benefit thousands of female commuters who rely on the LRT system for their daily transportation needs.
The initiative reflects a growing recognition of the importance of creating inclusive public transportation spaces that address the specific needs and concerns of female passengers. As public transportation continues to evolve in the Klang Valley, such gender-sensitive solutions demonstrate the ongoing efforts to improve the overall commuting experience for all passengers.
