Is KL Sentral’s redevelopment really necessary?

 

KL Sentral, the country’s largest transport hub, has been functioning well, serving users of the LRT, KTM Komuter, KLIA Express, and KLIA Transit.

It may be somewhat more inconvenient for MRT and Monorail users, who face a longer walk to the central hub. Nonetheless, the system works.

However, in the longer term, it may become impractical for every public transport operator to converge at KL Sentral.

Given the size of Kuala Lumpur, it would be reasonable to develop other stations that offer similar services.

For instance, TRX aims to become a major hub, Gombak is set to emerge with the ECRL, and Bandar Malaysia is still in the planning stage.

Another significant transport hub is Bandar Tasik Selatan (BTS), which is primarily for buses and is connected to rail stations. However, it hasn’t been as successful, likely due to the lack of property-driven development.

ToD concept

Transit-oriented development (ToD), the concept underlying KL Sentral, is gaining traction among property developers.

While it is beneficial to have ToDs near rail or bus stations, it should not be at the expense of public transport operators or users.

KL Sentral is already performing well. So why focus expansion efforts solely on it?

Other locations in Kuala Lumpur, Petaling Jaya, Shah Alam, Kajang, Gombak and Putrajaya deserve development, too.

Cities like London, Paris and Tokyo encourage the use of public transport through multiple stations, not just one.

For example, London boasts Victoria, Paddington, St Pancras, Marylebone, London Waterloo, Charing Cross, Euston, Fenchurch Street, King’s Cross, Liverpool Street and London Bridge.

Some of these stations surpass KL Sentral in size and usage.

Massive disruption

Expanding KL Sentral would significantly disrupt public transport operators, services and users.

The scale of these disruptions could be massive, affecting daily commutes and accessibility for a large portion of the population.

Kuala Lumpur cannot afford such disruptions.

The congestion, delays, inconvenience add more costs to the users, and counteract the very purpose of a transport hub. The government should prevent this from happening.

In any case, it is more beneficial to distribute resources equitably to develop multiple hubs, rather than focus on just one.

This approach would help decentralise the transit network, reduce pressure on KL Sentral, and promote a more balanced urban development.

By investing in various locations, the government can enhance the overall efficiency and resilience of the public transport system, ensuring better service for all users and fostering sustainable growth. - FMT

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