A new multilevel carpark by Railway Assets Corporation (RAC)  in Jalan Raya Timur, Klang is now open  to ease parking woes as well as encourage single-occupancy vehicles (SOV) to opt for the Komuter train service.

Situated within walking distance to the Klang KTM Komuter station, the three-storey building has 583 parking bays for vehicles and 68 motorcycle bays.

There are nine parking bays for the disabled and 40 bays, identifiable in bright pink, for women and also a zone for taxis and buses.

Parking is currently free but from January 2020, motorists will be charged RM3 an hour and a maximum of RM5 a day.

A season parking card costs RM80 per month.

An RAC spokesman said the multilevel carpark was a good public investment as it improved basic amenities and it transformed the experience of SOV in making it easier for people to park and ride on the train to Subang Jaya, Kuala Lumpur or other destinations.

“Our aim is to have efficient facilities and provide convenience to compliment the rail service.

Klang Municipal Council’s Town Planning Department director Zailani Panot said SOV contributed more carbon footprint and the council was keen to get more people to use the rail service.

“By having such supporting infrastructure, we will see less cars on the road and this inadvertently means less traffic congestion, ” he added.

Klang Consumer Association president Devadass Anjan agreed with Zailani that the park-and-ride facility would encourage more people to opt for the Komuter service.

“It is good to have such a facility but the parking fee must be reduced to a nominal RM1 for the first hour and a maximum RM4 for day parking, ” he suggested.