Special moment for the Jeremiah siblings
PETALING JAYA: While there are many people who are waiting anxiously for the opening of Phase 2 of the Sungai Buloh-Kajang (SBK) MRT line today, few can rival the Jeremiahs.
Specifically, Nicholle, Gabrielle, and Jordan, three siblings who live near the Taman Tun Dr Ismail (TTDI) MRT station.
Their “love affair” with the MRT began in 2015 when they attended a roadshow that featured aerial views of foundation work for the SBK MRT line, which consists of a 41.5km elevated portion, other than the 9.5km underground section.
According to their mother, Sharon Ann, her children started tracking the progress of the MRT construction since then, and were so happy to be among the few that rode on the first train when Phase 1 of the line opened from Sungai Buloh to Semantan last December.
Nicholle, 20, is a student at HELP University at Semantan, which is served by the Semantan station, a three-stop hop from TTDI.
“I always like to go to the front of the train whenever I board it as I enjoy the view from there. It somewhat feels like being in a mini roller coaster,” said Nicholle, who added that not having to drive to school opens up many possibilities for her.
“Personally, I feel like I have grown along with the train project as I can see the progress of the construction from my apartment balcony. I am amazed at the precision required to construct the elevated structure and tracks.”
Her younger sister Gabrielle, 15, studies at SMK Damansara Utama here, and now uses the train to attend tuition classes.
“My grandfather used to drive me, but now, I am able to handle the tuition trip on my own, using the train.
“No doubt, it’s a 20-minute walk from home to the station, but that makes for good exercise.
“I am glad that I can relieve my grandpa of this chore, especially driving me during peak (traffic) hours,” said Gabrielle, who is among the few hundred guests invited to the Phase 2 launch ceremony today.
“I am looking forward to that, as I have never been to an event of this magnitude. I hope to get a closer glimpse of the Prime Minister.”
The youngest Jeremiah, Jordan, 14, goes to the same school as Gabrielle, and is also dependent on the MRT for his tuition and football games.
The full opening of the SBK line will mark a transition of sorts for Sharon, who feels her children will be less reliant on “Mom’s Taxi”.
“Now that they are older, they want to be more independent. The ease, cost and convenience of having this form of public transport is timely. They don’t have to wait for their mother to drive them to Kajang for good satay,” she quipped.