How to further improve KL’s public transport system

 

From Benedict Lopez

The provision of public transport is one of the essential amenities provided by any country to its citizens. As the population grows, it inevitably poses challenges to the country’s transport system. New transport infrastructure must be built, existing ones improved and maintained to ensure efficient functioning, avert traffic jams and avoid disruptions.

Kuala Lumpur has made impressive strides in its public transport system over the last few decades. Today, KL Sentral is a well-developed transport hub, on par with many cities worldwide. A comprehensive network of buses, taxis, light rail transit, mass rapid transport, monorail and commuter trains converge and link the city and its outskirts, but these connections have only slightly assuaged the city’s traffic snarls.

The city continues to face recurrent traffic jams, even during off peak hours. From my observations, the problems in KL’s transport system can be overcome if several measures are undertaken:

1. Passengers continuing their journey by feeder bus services from the LRT and MRT stations to residential areas often have to wait around 20 minutes for the feeder bus. This is definitely a deterrent for people to commute by trains. Buses must ply key routes at least every five minutes. Recent glitches in the LRT service adversely affected around 250,000 people. As such, many people would rather drive to work facing traffic jams than confront such disruptions. Perhaps, it would be good to allow three-wheeled autos or tuktuk as they call it in Thailand in certain areas such as from LRT stations to residential areas.

2. More licences must be issued to bus companies to increase the frequency of ordinary bus services from residential areas to key places in the city. If possible, special lanes must be allocated for buses to ensure optimum frequency. Commuters now have to wait around 20-30 minutes for a bus in residential areas like Bangsar. Many bus stops don’t have proper seats, making it very uncomfortable for passengers, especially for senior citizens. The arrival times of buses must be displayed at each bus stop.

3. Inter-city bus services should be improved as the waiting time is tiresome. The more regular and well patronised routes should be closely monitored and improved.

4. Currently, Rapid KL has a RM50 monthly pass which gives unlimited travel for commuters, but no discount is given to senior citizens. Senior citizens should be offered a 50% concession for this pass.

5. Severe fines must be imposed on those flouting traffic regulations. Many people abuse the law thinking they can contravene the law and if they are issued a ticket, they will wait for a discount to be offered. No discounts should be given to offenders. If they fail to do so within a stipulated period, then they must be charged in court. Wide media publicity must be given if they are convicted, as I believe the shame will be a deterrent to other motorists.

6. Often, motorists find difficulty finding parking bays as many are illegally reserved with dustbins, flower pots and chairs on these bays. It happens in the city and in residential areas like Bangsar. All over KL, motorists and motorcycles park indiscriminately on public walkways denying senior citizens, disabled and pregnant ladies the pedestrian’s walkway. Stern action must be taken to ensure observance of the law.

7. Barriers should be erected on public walkways to deter motorists and motorcyclists from parking there. What is most appalling is when motorcyclists park on the designated special lanes for the blind.

8. CCTVs must be installed all over strategic points in KL to catch offenders for any traffic violation. Irresponsible motorists and motorcyclists endanger the lives of pedestrians when crossing the road after the pedestrian’s lights flash.

9. Tolls must be abolished all over the country. Often, traffic jams are caused at toll plazas. Investments incurred on highways have already been recouped. Currently, toll rates are exorbitant for the ordinary working man who is already plagued with the increase in cost-of-living. Ending tolls will result in a reduction in traffic jams, less stress for motorists and savings on petrol.

10. Initially, e-hailing services were a boon for the people but fares have escalated. Fares for the same destination which used to cost RM4 now cost RM17. At times, it is difficult to hail a cab during peak hours. It is imperative for all the other taxi services to go online. Competition will ultimately benefit the passenger.

11. New property developments often do not take cognisance of connectivity in public transportation. Public transportation must assume a critical role in the development of all new properties in the future.

Transport minister Loke Siew Fook recently highlighted the issue of proper maintenance of the rail infrastructure and station facilities. The escalator at the Bangsar LRT station breaks down very often. When this happens, senior citizens, the disabled and pregnant ladies encounter difficulty climbing the stairs of the escalator. Immediate repairs must be made to malfunctioning facilities at all LRT and MRT stations.

Loke is endeavouring to address many issues faced by the transportation sector in the country. I have no doubt about his commitment and sincerity in discharging his responsibilities to further improve the transportation system in the country. Malaysians must assist the minister in discharging his enormous task through continuous feedback. - FMT

Benedict Lopez is an FMT reader.

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