Non-governmental organisation Transit Malaysia supports the pedestrianising of Jalan Bukit Bintang in Kuala Lumpur, reports Bernama.
The NGO said in a statement that congestion is experienced daily on the road due to private vehicles being parked on the side of the three-lane road, often causing causing traffic to slow to a standstill at peak periods such as weekends and evenings when there is a high volume of private vehicles in the city centre.
“By redesigning to accommodate more people travelling to Bukit Bintang by foot or public transportation, Jalan Bukit Bintang will retain its energy, no matter the traffic situation,” the NGO said.
Last month, local authorities were said to be considering the closure of a key section of Jalan Bukit Bintang in a bid to reduce traffic congestion, and KL police chief Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa said that discussions and further studies with stakeholders are underway to evaluate the feasibility of rerouting and restricting vehicles in the area.
In support of reducing congestion in the area, Transit Malaysia also suggested a redesign of the Jalan Bukit Bintang-Jalan Sultan Ismail intersection to allow pedestrians to cross the roads from all angles, and at more frequent intervals as well as introducing bus-only lanes to improve public transport accessibility.
Additionally, increasing pedestrian space could boost business growth in the area, according to Transit Malaysia. “The area is already well-served by public transport, with connections to the MRT Kajang Line, KL Monorail Line and several GoKL bus routes,” it said, adding that the elevated walkway to KLCC also aids pedestrian connectivity between major attractions in the city.
Meanwhile, the NGO also acknowledged concerns from local businesses that relied on private vehicle access, and urged Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL) to engage with stakeholders in addressing the concerns, Bernama reported.
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Hello? Lorong Bas again? Study the effect at Old Klang Road.
Ban motorbikes from that place would solve most of the problems including snatching.
when you dont need to use that stretch of road daily, then easy for them to say, just close the road for motorists. I’m losing faith and confidence with current government. everyday, they implement something new that makes our lives harder.
please be considerate and think of others. do not be obsessed with political agendas only. how are people like me who stay in pavilion suite able to drive to work and back home every day if road closed?
More hare brain ideas. Seriously why are these so called experts getting these attention
Bcoz they helped PH get the votes
Heavy impacts on several 5 stars hotel there. Perhaps not so much on Pavillion and The Westin but especially Grand Millenium which is exactly in the middle spot of the street.
Limiting private cars will only push the jam outwards. Stupid idea. Look at New York, they don’t dare to stop cars coming into the city but instead they implement congestion charge for those needs to drive in.
malaysia is bigger than singapore but our city road and pedestrian path is so narrow …still wan to support stupid ideas..tsktsk