Empowering mobility: towards seamless travel during peak times

 

From Krishnan Ramaswami

Over the years, Malaysia has demonstrated great improvements in enhancing upward social mobility as the country continues to advance towards becoming a developed nation.

Our urban transport, too, has rapidly developed, necessitating crucial adjustments to meet the demands of a growing economy and population.

Data from the statistics department’s 2022 domestic tourism report underscore the significance of land-based transport, with a staggering 98% of domestic travellers opting for this mode.

Alarmingly, 96.7% of these travellers rely on private vehicles, while only a mere 0.8% utilise buses. The rise in private vehicle ownership, coupled with inadequate public transport options and limited parking facilities, has exacerbated traffic congestion, particularly during peak periods.

Addressing these challenges is crucial for ensuring sustainable transport systems that meet our populace’s needs and foster economic growth.

Intercity and long-distance bus travel, when efficiently managed, can serve as a truly viable solution to address this. Public-private partnerships offer a promising approach to reforming public transport, leveraging both sectors’ expertise and resources to prioritise people’s needs and foster inclusive transport networks.

The long-distance travel dilemma

In rising markets like Malaysia, the importance of options for long-distance travel cannot be overstated. While the government demonstrates a steadfast commitment to providing reliable and accessible public transport, challenges persist, especially during peak travel seasons.

The existing bus inventory often falls short of meeting soaring demand, particularly during festive seasons, leaving many citizens struggling.

This underscores the urgent need for strategic interventions to bolster long-distance travel options.

Data on redBus has shown that nearly 20% of Hari Raya Aidilfitri travellers faced challenges in securing tickets due to limited availability, highlighting the intense demand during the festive season.

A road safety expert from Universiti Putra Malaysia stated that, as of 2021, there are 33.3 million registered vehicles for 32.6 million people.

In December 2023, 9.8 million vehicles congested major highways over a five-day period during the Christmas holiday season.

This emphasises the urgent need for a strategic response to alleviate gridlock and ensure smoother, safer travels for all.

Measures are essential to mitigate the adverse impact of overcrowded roadways, while improving transport efficiency and convenience during peak travel periods.

The unmet demand

We have observed numerous instances – and here are some statistics from redBus platforms that shed light on the unmet demand – enabling us to assess the true extent of the situation.

Typically, customer demand for tickets increases by 63% over regular times, but inventory does not increase by the same amount.

In fact, data from 2023 illustrates a staggering 67% spike in customer demand for bus and ferry tickets during peak periods compared to non-peak times.

Consequently, during these peak seasons, a concerning 41% of travellers seeking bus travel are unable to secure tickets through the redBus platform due to insufficient supply.

This scarcity is exacerbated in regions such as Terengganu, Perlis, Negeri Sembilan and Pahang, where demand consistently outstrips the available bus services, accentuating the pressing need for strategic interventions to address these disparities and ensure equitable access to transport services.

A collaborative approach

A collaborative approach, underpinned by public-private partnerships, is crucial for reforming the transport sector and overcoming the challenges associated with meeting heightened demand during peak travel seasons.

To enhance public transport accessibility during these critical periods, we advocate temporary expansions in bus inventory.

This can involve measures such as leasing additional buses, optimising schedules, or offering incentives to operators willing to allocate extra resources during peak times.

Moreover, efforts should be directed towards enhancing the reliability, safety, and security of bus services, ensuring a seamless and secure journey for passengers.

Positive aspects of bus travel

The perspective goes beyond reducing traffic congestion. Buses present a more economical option for travel during peak seasons, as their prices exhibit less volatility compared to flights.

While flight tickets can nearly double in cost during peak periods, bus ticket prices typically experience only minor fluctuations, differing by just a few ringgit between peak and non-peak seasons.

(redBus pic)

Moreover, the decreased emissions per seat compared to cars underscores the environmentally conscious approach inherent in the efficient utilisation of buses.

Research published in the Journal of Public Transportation highlights that buses emit only 27g of carbon dioxide equivalent per passenger kilometre, compared to 171g for cars.

This showcases the significant environmental benefits of bus travel, emphasising its role in reducing emissions and promoting energy conservation.

The improvement of land transport infrastructure, particularly for buses extends beyond mere connectivity.

As Malaysia aims towards becoming a developed and inclusive nation, prioritising improved access to public transport must be a cornerstone of urban development initiatives.

Enhancing transport accessibility for communities represents a significant stride towards fostering inclusive growth and reinforcing the values of unity, love, and togetherness that define festive occasions. - FMT

Krishnan Ramaswami is chief business officer for international business at redBus.

The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of MMKtT.