MAS operates direct flights to Katmandu

Good news for holiday-makers visiting Nepal or for Nepalese returning for home-leave from KL as MAS, the national carrier, now flies to Katmandu direct.

Malaysia Airlines (MAS) began its thrice-weekly flights to Kathmandu, with the inaugural flight departing for Nepal's capital from KL International Airport at 8.55 am this morning.

The KL-Kathmandu flights will be on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

The Boeing 737-800 aircraft is used for the route and comes with 144 economy class and 16 business class seats.

With the flight to Kathmandu, MAS now operates 47 international routes.


Source: The Star..MAS begins flights to Kathmandu

MRT in KL Chinatown - no demolition of lots

MRT Corporation reassured Chinatown traders that it will make good on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s promise not to acquire or demolish any private properties along the iconic Jalan Sultan here for the Klang Valley Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) project.

Amir Mahmood Razak, its strategic communications and public relations director, told a media briefing in Kuala Lumpur that despite the many grouses raised by property owners along the iconic street, MRT Corp is still keen on engaging with them to strike mutual agreements (MA).

A group of Chinatown traders had last month demanded a signed undertaking from Putrajaya to ensure their properties would not be touched during construction of the multibillion ringgit rail line.

The traders complained that although the government had previously promised not to acquire their properties for the project, no one has since offered any confirmation.

As of June this year, the owners of 20 out of 24 properties on Jalan Sultan have agreed to sign Points of Agreement with MRT Corp, agreeing to vacate their premises for six months to facilitate the MRT’s underground works.

Amir added that the traders may not even have to move out of their properties during construction of the MRT underground, despite the initial proposal that they vacate their premises for six months.

A technical team is currently carrying out a survey on the condition of the buildings on Jalan Sultan to determine if they would remain structurally safe for occupation during construction works below.

Continue reading..MRT Corp insists no plans to acquire, demolish Chinatown lots

National Public holidays for 2012 and MAS extra flights for Hari Raya Puasa

This is seven months late but still good for until the rest of the year. The following are national public holidays observed this year, 2012:

1 Jan New Year's Day
23 Jan Chinese Lunar New Year's Day
24 Jan Second day of Chinese Lunar New Year
1 Feb Federal Territory Day
5 Feb The Prophet Muhammad's Birthday
7 Feb Thaipusam
1 May Labour Day
5 May Wesak Day
2 Jun The Yang di-Pertuan Agong's Birthday
19 Aug Hari Raya Puasa Day 1
20 Aug Hari Raya Puasa Day 2
31 Aug National Day
16 Sep Malaysia Day
26 Oct Hari Raya Haji
13 Nov Deepavali
15 Nov Awal Muharram/New Year
24 Dec Christmas Eve
25 Dec Christmas Day


The upcoming public holiday is the Hari Raya Puasa on Aug 19 and 20. This major festival will again see an exodus of people making their way back to their hometown to celebrate the happy occasion with their family.

Like previous years, MAS will have extra and upgraded flights for Hari Raya.

Petaling Jaya alternative transport system

Exciting times ahead for Petaling Jaya residents..

The Star reported that:

TRAMS, electric trishaws and water taxis along five rivers in Petaling Jaya are among the alternative modes of transportation proposed in the city’s plan to enable its people to travel in an efficient manner.

Under the plan, boats and hovercrafts would be used to transport commuters from piers built along Sungai Damansara, Sungai Kayu Ara, Sungai Penchala, Sungai Tambul and Sungai Payong by 2015.
More..

Energy efficient: MBPJ has proposed several routes for electric trams such as the one used in Grenoble, France. (Pic from www.railforthevalley.files.wordpress.com)

Fast ride: Water taxis have been proposed by the city council for six rivers in PJ. (Pic from www.boatdesign.net)

Proposed tram route

Image source: The Star

Keretapi Sarong - Sat Feb 25 Meeting Point

Here's the venue.

If you happen to be in Kuala Lumpur this Saturday and riding the LRT, you might be pleasantly surprised by a flood of colors of people in sarong. That could be quite delightful, I am sure.

Read more about the Keretapi Sarong activity in Kuala Lumpur this Saturday.

A San Francisco airport shuttle service to try out

For a first-time traveller to a city, any city, it is always reassuring to know that one is able to get around the city or at least be able to get from the airport (when you arrive) to your destination with minimum or no hassle. Reliable airport shuttle contributes significantly to a city's hospitality factor enhancing a visitor's travel experience.

If you are visiting San Francisco for the first time, or on a revisit, you might be pleased to know that getting to San Francisco City area is now easier with the American Airporter Shuttle. Their san francisco airport shuttle can pick you up from SFO airport and take you to your destination in the city or help you get to the SFO airport in time for your flight.

American Airporter Shuttle is a ground transportation service in Northern California that provides door-to-door service to and from your home, hotel, or office - including sfo airport shuttle service. They specialize in prompt, courteous service at very competitive rates. Their fleet of vehicles include top of the line and their drivers, experienced and reliable.

In addition to sfo shuttle transportation, they also offer Site Seeing Tours. Going on a Site Seeing tour is an ideal way to see all the major sites of a city and San Francisco has plenty of tourist sites and attractions. The flexibility of a small van can bring you driving by the Golden Gate Bridge, visit Chinatown, North Beach, Union Square, Seal Rock, or Lombard Street. The drivers at American Airporter Shuttle will be happy to make suggestions or you can direct the tour! This is an excellent value at the competitive rates they offer for group tours.

Making your reservation is easy. You can go online on their website or call them. Their office is open 24 hours every day of the week. Their rates are among the best at $17 per person, additional passengers $10 with prior reservation. Major credit cards are accepted.

Their Cancellation Policy is accommodating, If you have a change in your travel plans and would need to cancel your reservation, you will get your refund for any reservation when you cancel with a minimum six hours notice prior to the pickup time. Refunds usually show to your account within 30 days.

Bus diversion in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday (tomorrow)

In view of the Bersih 2.0 - a move for electoral reform - rally in Kuala Lumpur tomorrow, if you are here in KL and have plans to go to the city, information on road closure and public transportation and diversion will be helpful. Stay safe.

Click on image to enlarge


Image source: The Star

Last train out of Tanjung Pagar, Singapore

From The Star:

SINGAPORE: Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd's (KTMB) historic train service which has been operating from the Tanjung Pagar station here for the last 79 years has ended with a royal send-off.

The train was driven for the last time out of the station by Johor Ruler Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar at 11pm last night, carrying more than 500 passengers on its coaches.

The handing over of the Tanjong Pagar station, built in 1932, follows an agreement made between Singapore and Malaysia last year which includes Singapore taking possession of KTM land here.

In return, Malaysia was offered 60% control of projects developed at prime land parcels around Marina Bay and Ophir Rochor.

More: Last train out gets royal send-off..The Star

Transnasional, Plusliner will continue to depart from Bkt Jalil in New Year

The Star reported that Transnasional, Plusliner will continue to depart from Bukit Jalil in the New Year.

Transnasional and Plusliner express buses will continue their operations for both northern and southern departures from the Bukit Jalil bus terminal until further notice, said Konsortium Transnasional Bhd (KTB).


Source: The Star

Free train ride for a week from Sentul to Batu Caves

Commuters travelling on the Sentul-Batu Caves route will be able to enjoy free rides for a week when the service starts on July 29.

The new route covers five stations — Sentul, Batu Kentomen, Kg Batu, Taman Wahyu and Batu Caves and is expected to reduce traffic congestion, especially during the Thaipusam festival.

Weekly passes can be bought at a 20% discount while monthly tickets at a 33% discount. Tickets for a trip from Sentul to Batu Caves is RM2.

Concession tickets are available at half price for children aged between four and 12, senior citizens (with KTM Komuter senior citizen card) and disabled people who are registered with the Welfare Department.

For more information, visit www.ktmkomuter.com.my or call 1300 88 5862 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              1300 88 5862      end_of_the_skype_highlighting begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              1300 88 5862      end_of_the_skype_highlighting or email komuter4u@ktmb.com.my.

Source: The Star

LRT extension - Thousands to benefit

Kuala Lumpur and its suburbs (locally referred to as Klang Valley) are serviced by two Light Rail Transit lines, (besides other modes of public transportation). They are the Kelana Jaya and Ampang lines. Thousands of Klang Valley residents will benefit and are looking forward to the proposed extension to both LRT lines.

The Ampang LRT extension would cover 17.7km, and start from the Sri Petaling Station, passing through areas like Bukit OUG, the Bukit Jalil Golf and Country Club, and into Puchong before ending at Putra Heights. It will have 13 new stations.

There will be seven stations with park and ride facilities, six of which will be developed as multi-storey car park complexes. Adequate parking is essential at LRT stations.

The Kelana Jaya LRT extension starts from the Kelana Jaya station, passing through Subang Jaya and USJ, before ending at Putra Heights. It covers 17km with 13 stations.

The line will also have five stations with park and ride facilities.

All stations will be equipped with the usual lifts, escalators, public telephones, surau (prayer areas), and toilets.

It will also be disabled-friendly with facilities for ramps, lifts, low ticket counters and special toilets.

The image below is an artist's impression of one of the new stations on the line.


From Sep 15 until Dec 14, the proposed extension and alignment of the two LRT lines, as well as the facilities provided at the stations, will be on display for public viewing at the following venues:

Department of Railways (Ministry of Transport)
13th Floor, Menara dayabumi,
Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin,
50050, Kuala Lumpur.

Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur
Ground Floor,Menara DBKL 2,
Jalan Raja Laut,
50350 Kuala Lumpur.

Majlis Bandaraya Petaling Jaya
Lobi Menara MBPJ,
Jalan Tengah,
46200 Petaling Jaya.

Majlis Perbandaran Subang Jaya,
Level 1, Persiaran Perpaduan USJ5,
47610 Subang Jaya.

Majlis Bandaraya Shah Alam
Lobby A, Wisma MBSA,
Persiaran Perbandaran,
40000 Shah Alam.

* Display hours are from Mon to Fri from 9am to 5pm. It is closed on Saturday, Sunday and public holidays.

Members of the public are invited to give their feedback on the proposed lines at the locations for the company to consider all the options to cater to the people living in the community.

The 35km of lines, estimated to cost about RM7bil, will be elevated and are expected to be ready by 2012. Transport company Syarikat Prasarana Negara Bhd said another 35 four-car trains to the Kelana Jaya line will be added. It now has 35 two-car trains.

Another 12 to 14 six-car trains would be added to the 30 now serving the Ampang line.


Source: The Star.. Thousands to benefit from LRT extension