Commuters in the Klang Valley were caught by surprise yesterday at the sudden RM10 fare hike of RapidKL's monthly travelling card (MTC).

The MTC-Intergrated bus and rail fare is now priced at RM135. Two day ago, it was still sold at RM125.

Following public complaints on the increase without prior notice, RapidKL which operates the Kelana Jaya (KLJ) and Ampang (AMP) light rail transit (LRT) system and RapidKL buses, explained that the hike was necessary as operation costs have spiralled.

A customer service officer said that the fare increase was publicised in the Malay Mail on Oct 24.

The officer added that RapidKL did not increase the standard rail fare as that would require the approval of the Transport Ministry. It was only their 'product' - the MTC - that saw an increase.

The MTC-Intergrated bus and rail fare is a package that provides unlimited monthly use of local, trunk, city, express bus services and both the Kelana Jaya & Ampang LRT.

The other product that saw the fare hike is the MTC rail package fare, which gives subscribers unlimited LRT rides for a particular subscribed month from RM90 to RM100.

The new MTC fares took effect yesterday.

Promote LRT usage

But commuters Malaysiakini spoke to today were apparently disgruntled with the sudden hike of MTC fares and the company's lack of publicity on the matter.

"There was no indication or any sort of announcement regarding the increase. I am shocked by this drastic change. The least they could do is make proper announcements so that regular commuters like me can be better prepared," said one commuter.

Another claimed that he was unaware of the fare hike until he went to purchase a card at the station's ticket counter yesterday.

"It's unfortunate that the hike seemed to be conducted in a 'sneaky' manner," he added.

Another frequent commuter has this to say, "The main reason I took the LRT to work is to reduce my expenses and this increase is not conducive to my effort. They should promote the usage of the LRT, not deter people from using it," he added.

Since taking over both the Putra and Star LRT lines in Nov 24, 2004, RapidKL has increased its MTC fare twice including yesterday's.

The first MTC fare hike was in Aug 2005 from RM70 to RM90

The LRT and its shuttle buses which transport passengers to bus stops closest to their homes is regarded as a crucial means of transport for city and suburban dwellers.