Why expanding highways won’t solve Malaysia’s traffic problems

 

By Boo Jia Cher

Last month, I read with concern that the works ministry is advocating for the inclusion of the proposed third phase of the North-South Expressway (PLUS) widening project, which extends 41km from Simpang Renggam to Yong Peng Utara, in the upcoming 2025 budget.

The main goal of highway expansions is to alleviate traffic congestion, which seems logical at first glance. More lanes should ease traffic, right?

However, this belief is a widespread misconception that has led to significant transport problems in our country. If we don’t explore alternative solutions, we risk repeating the same mistakes we’ve made for decades.

A key concept all of us should begin to familiarise ourselves with is 

induced demand

.

Induced demand in traffic means that when new roads are built or existing ones are expanded, more people tend to drive.

Initially, this can reduce congestion, but over time, easier access will attract more drivers, leading to more traffic than before. This cycle shows that simply adding lanes does not solve traffic problems.

This is clearly shown in the Klang Valley. While the extensive highways and widened roads have enhanced access, they also draw in more drivers, leading to heavy traffic during peak hours.

A quick look at Google Maps Street View reveals how roads like Jalan Ampang have been significantly expanded over the years, often at the expense of beautiful mature rain trees, sidewalks, and bus stops.

Yet, despite these 

improvements

, Jalan Ampang remains congested every morning and evening.

This unfortunate situation is aggravated by our reliance on cars, as public transport has been consistently neglected and underfunded.

Factors such as low fuel prices, affordable local vehicles, excessive parking spaces, inadequate enforcement against illegal parking, and poor urban planning all contribute to the problem.

During holiday seasons, the PLUS highway is consistently congested, with normal travel times doubling or tripling. This doesn’t even account for the tragic crashes that occur along the route.

Does the works ministry truly believe that simply expanding the highway will solve these issues? As the famous saying goes: 

Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.

Thus, despite what may seem like a straightforward solution, expanding roads will only deepen our traffic woes.

Instead of funnelling resources into highway expansions, we should invest in our KTM lines. The skyrocketing demand for train tickets during holiday seasons indicates a strong preference for train travel among Malaysians when it is available.

It’s encouraging to know that Malaysia is enhancing its train services through a leasing deal for 62 new passenger train sets from China, set to roll out by 2027.

This initiative aims to improve train availability and reliability, particularly for KTM Komuter and ETS services. The plan includes maintenance by the supplier and aims to achieve 80% railway track utilisation in Peninsular Malaysia, with a goal of 299 trains operating nationwide by 2030.

To complement the goal of more train travel, every town and city needs dependable public transport services. With the increasing popularity of demand responsive transit (DRT) in the Klang Valley and other urban areas, this approach should be considered for smaller towns and cities where maintaining a regular bus service might be too expensive.

Furthermore, if the government aims to encourage more people to use ETS and KTM Komuter services, new development should focus around train stations.

A prime example is the Klang KTM station, where the vibrant streets of the old town welcome commuters upon exiting the station.

Unfortunately, many train stations in other towns are situated far from amenities, making the first and last mile connections inconvenient. We should learn from our successes and avoid repeating past mistakes.

Improved coordination among different ministries is essential for achieving long-term goals. Should we encourage more people to endure a 10-hour journey on the PLUS highway, or focus on providing frequent, reliable train services?

Whether it’s a city road or a regional highway, the principle of induced demand applies. Decades of global research indicate that the only effective solution to traffic congestion is to offer alternative transport options.

Imagine taking the LRT from your home to KL Sentral, then catching an ETS back to your hometown. You wouldn’t have to stress over traffic jams, reckless drivers, or mechanical failures.

Instead, you could watch a movie, read, enjoy a meal from the train café, or simply take in the scenery. Before you know it, you’re back in your hometown, completing the last leg of your journey with a DRT ride. Is this too much to ask for? - FMT

Boo Jia Cher is an FMT reader.

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