This is an article born of two "busy-body". We sent it to the Star Metro but until now it's not seen. So, I just post it here first to share our views with you.
Info Gathering: Tan Guan Tyng
Written by Cheh Ghoon Hoong
The recent initiative by Federal Territories Minister, Raja Nong Chik to revamp the KL transport system is laudable. People yearn for a congestion-free KL and thus a more efficient transport system is needed. Action speaks louder than words. I hope that this long-awaited revamp would take flight instead of ending up on the drawing board.
The frequencies of buses and trains must be increased. There must be public buses at least every 10 minutes in urban areas and every 15 minutes for suburban areas. Areas with low bus frequencies are viz., Hulu Langat, Damansara, Puchong, Segambut, Kepong, Sentul, Petaling Jaya, Subang Jaya and Shah Alam. On the other hand, the frequency of the KTM Komuter must also be increased. The KTM Komuter is available every 20 minutes on average but it is too long for many people. Besides, the schedule itself is not accurate as the train often arrives late. It should be available at least every 10-15 minutes. I suggest that KTM should adopt the computerized system used by the Kelana Jaya LRT. The computer systems, if implemented, must be monitored at all times to prevent long delays caused by breakdowns.
Apart from that, I support the idea of having an autonomous centralized authority to operate the transport system. RapidKL has utilized the Touch ‘n Go card as a travel card but it can’t be used in other buses such as Metrobus and SJ Bus. Why not use the Touch ‘n Go card as the main Travel Card for all buses and trains like what Hong Kong is doing with their Octopus Card? In addition, there should be cheaper fares for Travel Card users so that more people will travel by public transport. Besides that, the daily price capping system in London ought to be considered too. Daily price capping is the most that will be charged a day when one uses the Travel Card a.k.a. Oyster Card to pay as one takes the bus, underground, etc.
Next, public buses should not stop at places where there is no bus stop. They get annoying when they stop at certain areas to pick up passengers. Furthermore, people may not know where to board a bus as there is no bus stop there. If that place really is a bus stop, why not construct a shaded bus stop there? In addition, maintenance in the train service is poor. Stations should have more maps and clearer directions. The announcement system and countdown timer at some stations have already spoilt. The blur announcements in the trains only made matters worse. Frequent maintenance must also apply to public buses to minimize breakdowns.
Last but not least, the progress of any changes in the transport system must be made known to the public through the mass media. The people need and have the right to know what the authorities are doing. In my opinion, the publicity concerning this issue still has plenty of room for Improvement. For example, the recent talks about the Plaza Rakyat abandoned project must be publicized properly so that the rakyat can keep track of it.
A better transport system means a lot not only to tourists but especially to city dwellers who are forced to endure frustrating traffic congestions daily. A lot of people are pessimistic on the revamp of our transport system. Hence, it is up to the authorities to earn our confidence back.
