MotoJaya

Riding the Rails: LRT Parcel Delivery - A Green Solution for Our Klang Valley Riders?

Eh, riders! Imagine this: your online shopping *actually* helping to ease KL traffic. Sounds crazy, right? But a local company, Diolko, is trying just that with its LRT parcel delivery service.

They're teaming up with Prasarana (the guys who run our trains) to deliver parcels using the LRT and a fleet of electric bikes and vans. The idea? Less carbon emissions, less jammed roads. Let's check 'em out!

How It Works - Parcel Delivery, LRT Style

Currently, Diolko is operating out of Awan Besar, Ara Damansara, and Putra Heights LRT stations, with Putra Heights being their main hub. Electric vans collect parcels and bring them to the hub.

Parcels are sorted, loaded into specially designed trolleys, and secured on the LRT trains. Staff monitor the trolleys during the journey. They aim to keep a maximum of six trolleys per train, with no other passengers in that section during delivery hours.

From Awan Besar and Ara Damansara, delivery riders on electric motorcycles complete the “last mile” delivery. Clever eh?

The Green Angle: Saving the Planet One Parcel at a Time?

According to Diolko, this eco-friendly method cuts carbon emissions by up to 70%. With Malaysia's transport sector contributing a hefty chunk to the country's carbon footprint, any reduction is definitely welcome. They've delivered over 6,000 parcels since their trial launch!

Expansion Plans: More LRT Stations in the Pipeline

Diolko isn’t stopping there! Phase 1 involves expanding to more stations on the Kelana Jaya and Ampang/Sri Petaling lines, with Gombak and Ampang LRT slated for hubs by year-end. Phase 2? The MRT lines, starting with Kwasa Damansara, Putrajaya, and Kajang. Phase 3 includes the upcoming LRT3 line for access to Shah Alam and Klang. Ambitious stuff!

The Challenges: Is This Model Sustainable for Parcel Delivery?

Some logistics experts are raising concerns. Can this LRT-based delivery really scale up? UCSI University's Dr. Dazmin Daud suggests that using commuter-centric LRT trains has its limits. Separate vehicles might be needed for bigger operations, and delivery speeds are restricted to off-peak hours.

There are concerns about the volume of parcels, longer delivery times, and limited connectivity. It is also essential to have suitable accessibility and space at the stations!

"Delivery with trains would not be workable if the number of parcels increases too much, as LRT trains are designed for passengers, not freight services," Dr. Dazmin Daud, UCSI University.

Prasarana's Take: A Win-Win for the Klang Valley

Prasarana believes rail-based parcel delivery could be a game changer. They envision reduced emissions, less traffic, and greater efficiency. They’re actively transforming key stations into multifunctional hubs. Smart move, or what?

Ultimately, it's all about greener, more efficient urban transit systems. Keep an eye out, riders – your next parcel might just be arriving by LRT!