Rapid KL to operate 24-hour transport for Merdeka countdown and Hari Kebangsaan parade
Rapid KL is stepping up its services to ease travel during Malaysia’s National Day festivities, with a special 24-hour transport extension for the Ambang Merdeka celebrations and the Hari Kebangsaan parade.
Key details
– Dates and hours: Non-stop service from 6am on 30 August to 11:30pm on 31 August.
– Rail services: LRT, MRT, Monorail, and Sunway BRT will run through the extended period.
– Bus services: 86 routes with 235 buses on the eve of Hari Kebangsaan, increasing to 100 routes with 308 buses on Hari Kebangsaan itself.
– Rapid On-Demand (ROD): 20 vans across five Putrajaya zones and one CBD zone, RM1 bookings via the MyRapid Pulse app.
– Putrajaya shuttles: 96 free buses operating on three routes to Dataran Putrajaya.
– Late-night operations: Selected bus routes extended to 4am to accommodate late-night crowds on both 30 and 31 August.
– Staffing: More than 5,000 frontline staff will be deployed to manage crowds and ensure smooth travel.
What travelers should know
– Multi-modal options: A comprehensive mix of rail and bus services, with additional on-demand and Putrajaya shuttle options to connect major celebration hubs.
– Easy booking: ROD services can be booked via the MyRapid Pulse app for RM1, providing flexible travel during the festivities.
– Free connections: Putrajaya shuttles offer free transport to major event venues, helping attendees reach Dataran Putrajaya without extra cost.
– Plan ahead: Expect larger crowds and potential delays; allow extra time and use real-time updates through Rapid KL services.
Context and impact
This initiative, part of Rapid KL’s Denyut Nadi Merdeka program, is designed to reduce congestion and facilitate safer, smoother travel for Malaysians joining the celebrations. With extended hours and a broad network, residents and visitors can move between venues more conveniently and enjoy the festivities with less reliance on private vehicles.
Additional notes
– If you’re heading to the countdown or parade, consider using the MyRapid Pulse app for on-demand options and stay tuned for any route modifications or advisories on the day.
– With thousands of frontline staff and a city-wide, coordinated transport plan, organizers aim to create a safer, more accessible public transit experience during a peak travel period.
Overall takeaway
Rapid KL’s around-the-clock operations and expanded routes demonstrate a proactive, multi-modal approach to managing crowd movement during Malaysia’s National Day celebrations, offering travelers convenient, affordable, and safer ways to participate in the festivities. The extended hours and Putrajaya shuttles provide practical benefits for those attending events across the capital region.