Taking the MRT from 1U to Semantan

Doing a little jump here... Recently, yours truly had to pay a visit to Wisma UN. Since Moi stays near Damansara, and I didn't want to pay for the exorbitant parking there, I decided to take the MRT instead.

SO. Yours truly parked @ 1U station (which was deserted. Really.) At 0930H, there were only 5 cars (including moi's) at car park. Kinda eerie that.

BUT, once you get into the lift lobby... wow. Nice.

Now, I was a little confused with this. How can the G (Ground) Floor be consider THE floor for the MRT station? It's easily 2 stories high...

Anyway, once coming out of the lift, you turn right, and make your way across to the connecting pedestrian bridge that links the car park to the station.

The biggest difference between using the LRTs and this MRT are the 'doors' on the platform. Obviously for safety, this is fantastic. Doors open...

And doors close.

The entire network map of KL's Rail Transit System. In my opinion, the biggest missing link is something that goes from north to south, aka from Cyberjaya, across Puchong, PJ and then onwards towards Kepong.

For, if you wanted to go north or south, it's a huge detour... and a time waster.

When I was small, the government complex formerly known Pusat Bandar Damansara or affectionately PBD is now... gone! Demolished...

Yours truly, upon making his way back, needed to use the restroom. This is almost like Shopping Mall restrooms in that the layouts and aesthetic design just makes you go... wow.

Finally, along with audio information, you now have visual aids informing you on your current location and next approaching station. It's been a long time coming!

The deserted train as I made my way back after lunch...

This appears on the side of which the doors open.

Along with blue lighting! Cool!

Having used the LRT from Tmn Bahagia to KLCC for many years, the MRT (be it station or train sets) is certainly a huge improvement in terms of:
a) Noise - it's really quiet; be it inside or outside as you wait
b) Station Restrooms feel like a shopping mall experience from the outside; not like some after thought.
c) Visual Guides in the train sets - finally, we have it!
d) If you own a OneCard, then parking is cheaper. See here

However, I found some pet peeves:
a) I can't pay for parking via TnG. It's using the old ticket vending machine style.
b) G for station. Really?

Ranting:
Unlike the KJ LRT line, you can use TnG cards at the MRT. Seriously. What's up with these people? Previously, you could use TnG cards on the LRT. But now, you can't. Madness. Why can't we have a solution much like how Hong Kong or Singapore has???

In Sumnmary:
Is it worth it? I would say that once the second phase opens up (connecting Semantan to downtown KL and onwards), it's not surprising then if ridership goes up as I'm sure many stay on this side of the world and would like to ditch their cars behind...

It's a long time in waiting... :)

Marina Bay Sands via Bayfront MRT Station

Having just visited MBS recently due to the musical Wicked, I'd thought to share with all netizens that there is now a MRT stop specifically for MBS. And it's called Bayfront on the Circle Line (Orange colour).

This station sits just below MBS and you would then use Exits C and D to get to the Theaters, Expo's and Shops itself. The difference between the 2? Well, depends on which way you wanna go!

Personally, Exit C brings you closer but if you walk one big round, you'll eventually end up with Exit D on the other end... :)

To get to Bayfront station, one needs to:
a) hop onto the Harbourfront line, head towards Doby Ghaut,
b) get off at Promenade
c) go one platform up and take the train to Marina Bay, BUT
d) get off at Bayfront IF you want to visit MBS.

Will MBS is in Marina Bay, they are 2 different things; one being the resort and the other, well ... a place that has existed for quite a long time...

This Bayfront station was only recently opened, i.e. January 14th 2012. Hence, the absence of information about this new method of getting oneself to MBS, sans walking across the bridge or by Bus or drive...

Enjoy.