How Rapid KL and Mechamato gamified the commute for the next gen

In a bid to win over the hearts of younger commuters, and their parents, Rapid KL has teamed up with homegrown animation powerhouse Monsta, the creator of Mechamato, to launch a campaign that blends mobility with imagination. The collaboration, which spans wrapped trains, interactive games, physical station activities, and digital storytelling, repositions public transport as something fun, futuristic, and family-friendly.

At the heart of the initiative is a powerful insight: to build a long-term commuting habit, you have to start young, and make the experience exciting from the start.

The campaign’s most ambitious asset is Rapid City, a custom-built Roblox world where players explore a futuristic Malaysian city using virtual versions of Rapid KL’s trains and buses, now reimagined as "MechaLRTs", "MechaBuses", and "MechaMonorails". Players complete missions that reinforce sustainable travel habits, offering a digital sandbox where education and entertainment collide.

Don't miss: How Malaysia's commute became prime real estate for bold campaigns

Virtual fun for real-world engagement

According to Prasarana, owner of the train and bus service brand Rapid KL, engaging younger audiences is crucial, as those aged 30 and below account for about 80% of daily ridership across both rail and bus services. “Engaging them early through education and awareness is key to nurturing a future generation that embraces and advocates for public transport,” said Ashok Panchalingam, head of customer experience and marketing at Prasarana Malaysia.  

To change perceptions that public transport isn’t “cool,” Rapid KL teamed up with Monsta on Rapid City, a game that lets users explore a futuristic city using virtual versions of Rapid KL’s buses and trains. “By tapping into digital platforms that resonate with today’s youth, we aim to make public transportation more relatable, appealing, and exciting,” Ashok added.

Monsta's managing director Kee Yong Pin said the campaign idea was inspired by Japanese transit collaborations with local characters, through stamp rallies and themed trains. “Campaigns like these promote station-hopping, create family bonding moments, and foster a sense of community,” he said, adding that: 

That sparked the idea of bringing a similar initiative to our local scene.

Beyond the digital world, the campaign rolled out a series of family-focused activations such as "Ride & catch" and "Meet & greets", drawing families into LRT and Monorail stations to engage with Mechamato characters and complete stamp rally missions. “For many families, it was their first time riding the LRT or Monorail. That’s huge,” Kee said.

Ashok noted that the physical activations played a key role in getting families onboard. “Parents have told us their kids are now more eager to ride public transport. That’s a promising behavioural shift,” he said.

The campaign also extended to themed collectible passes, and limited-edition MyCity and My50 passes. Rapid KL and Mechamato also released the “MechaTrain” and “MechaBot” tumblers which was put up for redemption as a part of its “Ride & catch” and “Beli & tebus” (‘Buy and redeem’) campaigns. Social media buzzed with photos of families documenting their stamp rally journeys and Mechamato sightings at stations.

Shifting perceptions through creative means

Despite the excitement of character tie-ins and immersive games, Rapid KL recognises that public perception remains one of its biggest challenges, especially when it comes to the bus system. For Ashok, these kinds of collaborations are one step toward long-term change.

“Buses are often perceived as unreliable or uncomfortable,” he said. “However by showcasing them as part of a larger, exciting experience, like in Rapid City where 'MechaBuses' are featured alongside 'MechaLRTs' and 'MechaMonorails', we can start to change that narrative.”

The partnership with Monsta is a deliberate move to make public transport more relatable for younger users and their families. Ashok explained: 

By using familiar and beloved IPs, we can bridge the emotional gap.

"That way, we can show that public transport is not just functional, but also fun and culturally relevant. It’s about tapping into what resonates with people and using that as a conduit to introduce them to the benefits of public transport," he added. 

He also added that the partnership with Mechamato made sense because the series embodies innovation, resilience, and community. Values that align with Rapid KL’s mission. “Its broad international appeal and local identity also make it a fitting brand to build early awareness,” he said.

Monsta's MD Kee Yong Pin shared similar thoughts on how IP-driven collaborations can do more than just entertain. They can help build shared moments and emotional connections. “Campaigns like these promote station-hopping, create family bonding moments, and foster a sense of community,” he said.

He also highlighted how the project gave Mechamato a new kind of platform. “We’ve turned public transport into a space of adventure and creativity. It’s more than just getting from point A to B. It’s a thrilling, unforgettable experience,” he added.

For Rapid KL, this collaboration with Mechamato marks just the beginning of a broader strategy to reshape how Malaysians experience and relate to public transit. “We hope this sets a precedent for more IP collaborations in the future, especially with local and regional content creators. To create a more engaging, relatable, and ultimately sustainable public transport culture,” said Ashok.

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