Prime minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said a comprehensive public transportation framework is currently being prepared by transport minister Anthony Loke. He said the framework, which is aimed at improving aspects of public transport in the country, will be presented to the cabinet for its implementation once it is ready.
He said that public transportation programmes are a priority and that, having taken a backseat to education and healthcare this year, it will be a focus in next year’s Budget, the Malay Mail reports.
“I would like to once again thank the transport minister who is preparing a more comprehensive framework and strategy for public transportation that will be presented to the cabinet and will then be implemented in stages,” he said during the launch of the Putrajaya Mass Rapid Transit Line.
Anwar said that a well-defined public transportation network would go a long way in addressing traffic congestion issues, which could impact the country’s productivity. Citing a study from Bangkok that he had read, he said that billions of dollars are lost from productivity simply because of severe congestion.
“The time taken to reach the workplace is time that causes productivity to be lost. The answer to that issue was public transportation, he said.
Last month, a TomTom Traffic Index report indicated that Kuala Lumpur drivers spent 159 hours on the road during rush-hour traffic in the city centre last year. It estimated drivers spent RM1,023 on fuel (RM221 due to congestion) and emitted 833 kg of CO2 (180 kg due to congestion).
Separately, Loke said that a cabinet committee to tackle public transport issues will be set up in early April. He said that committee members would be from various ministries, and that it would be chaired by deputy prime minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, The Star reports.
“The committee will look to take comprehensive steps in solving the current constant traffic congestion issues plaguing the country, among other issues related to public transportation,” Loke said.
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Good. He can start with Penang LRT/tram/monorail.
Penang and singapore used to have trams, like in hong kong, but they dismantled it. Hong kong retained theirs till today.
Penang even already had a tram (established in the 1880’s as a steam tram, electrified in 1906), when most european, US or australian cities hadn’t.
SIDEWALKS!
Start by building proper sidewalks connecting stations to high density residential / commercial area (flats, apartments, condos, tamans, office buildings, schools, universities, malls, etc). Have it covered and well lit. Most don’t mind walking 10-20 mins to a station if there are safe and properly maintained sidewalks that connects their housing area *all the way* to the station.
Last mile connectivity is a problem and I feel covered sidewalks is an easy, fast, and cheap way to build and implement to solve this issue. Buses can be unreliable and infrequent. E-hailing is expensive. Biking and e-scooter is dangerous. Park n’ ride requires you to own a car and have the ability to drive one. Motorbike is not practical for a lot of people (students, elderly, people who do not have bike license).
Government spent billions on lrt and mrt… Why not spend a couple million to build sidewalks to connect the stations to residential / commercial areas. Most sidewalks are “ghost” sidewalks that lead to no where. It stops and ends after around 200m from the station. What’s the point of that?
Imagine walking 10 mins to get to a station. Commuters can have 20 mins exercise (to and fro) everyday and take public transport instead of contributing to traffic congestions. Less traffic and a healthier nation! That’s a good use of public funds in my opinion.
Some housing areas lies next to lrt stations but no access as there is a big drain to cross. Station masters and prasarana also no motivation to improve access to stations. Like their management as if have never used public transport Hence dunno how to improve.
Escalator and lift always not working…
Certain Bus stops give indication of bus arrival time.
Years ago local students came up with a app to do as you mentioned and won a prize but our authorities who are mostly non tech people never took this up further.
The escalator at klcc was out if order for quite a long time and it was a embarrassment but its working now.
Well I learned to climb stairs, it gave me the addee benefit of keeping fit
Safety issue – Get more police around from station to residential area.
Time issue – Bus apps that show live location and estimated arrival time just like e-Hailing apps.
I believe this won’t cost billion and can immediately implemented.
Certain Bus stops give indication of bus arrival time.
Years ago local students came up with a app to do as you mentioned and won a prize but our authorities who are mostly non tech people never took this up further.
A long time ago public transport wrt bus rides were ok. Even small towns had pubic transport. Dr m centralised decision making causing small towns with no power to issue bus licenses and services to drop.
In KL, dr m created a monopoly in drb hicom and park may forcing other operators to shut, and services to drop snd everyone took to motorbikes.
I was a daily commuter of sri jaya buses and mini buses and services were reqular and frequent and affordable until dr m interfered.
I have tried the mrt2 line new opening route this weekend. Surprising to find out the interchange at ampang park need to walk out from LRT and walk into another mrt building, which is just adjacent to each other! It takes more than 7 mins from LRT to MRT platform , which is totally unnecessary. I have seen many countries thier cross line/system transit is just mere 2 mins away
stupid malaysia built mrt, lrt, monorail. defies logic. a single city only needs 1 integrated rail line, not 3 lines