KUALA LUMPUR: THE mega development of public transport infrastructure is proof that the government is committed to expanding the transportation network and transforming the industry.
The government sees public transport as the heartbeat of the urban community, which connects it from one destination to another.
Public transport received a boost when its infrastructure was upgraded.
The RM51 billion Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) project has transformed people’s perception of public transport, especially in terms of efficiency, technological development and increasing the number of commuters.
Malaysian Public Transport Users Association president Ajit Johl said the public had benefited from the MRT and other upgraded public transport systems.
He said this was the first time the government had set aside a big allocation for public transport to ease the people’s cost of living.
“We see a transformation in the community, whereby the number of public transport users is increasing, and it reduces traffic on highways.
“We cannot deny that the cost of public transport is cheaper than using your vehicle.
“The government’s success in providing excellent public transport with quality infrastructure is the start of a new era for the industry.
”He said there should be more initiatives to encourage people to use public transport so that the stigma of it was only for “people who could not afford their own transportation” could be eradicated.
“Those who use public transport are smart. Target users are young consumers, like students, as they do not have their own transport.”
The Aku Janji Persekutuan 2013-2018 report stated five public transport systems that had been upgraded, including Rapid KL, myBAS, MRT, Light Rail Transit and the High-Speed Rail.
Universiti Putra Malaysia Road Safety Research Centre head Associate Professor Law Teik Hua said there were three advantages that could be achieved from the government’s public transport initiative.
“Firstly , public transport can save time, with transport systems linked to most locations.
“Secondly, it can reduce road accidents.
“Thirdly, public transport can save money.
“There is no need for people to spend on petrol and toll,” he said when asked about his opinion on the report.
He said there was a need for good management and coordination if the government planned to expand public transport projects.
“The government must have a master plan if it wants to implement such facilities in future. There must be good management and coordination.”
He said facilities could create jobs and boost the economy.
“It provides jobs for urban and rural people. Thus, it would boost urban income.”
