Hi Everyone

The above is the exact title of a report (of sorts) that I have been asked to submit to the Ministry of Finance in preparation for Budget 2009.

I find that the title is vague enough to allow me a lot of leeway, so this is what I am going to do...produce 2 reports.

One will be a summary of my views and opinions about the state of public transport in Malaysia, including 3 years worth of articles and letters.

The other report will be from the rakyat...a collection of opinions from the people of Malaysia - articles, letters, and direct submissions.

So, I am asking those of you who are interested...please reply to this thread with your perspectives on public transport in Malaysia and suggestions on how to improve it. You can also send your ideas to the following email address... transportkini@gmail.com

if you can be as specific as possible with the emails, (e.g. KTM Komuter, KTMB, RapidKL Bus, RapidKL LRT, Rapid Penang, Regulation of Public Transport, High Speed Rail, etc etc) that would be very helpful.

My goal is to swamp the Minstry of Finance with the opinions of the public who are just tired of poorly managed, poorly regulated, low quality public transport...as well as the opinions of those who see the good in what we have and the light at the end of the long dark tunnel.

I will not take credit for anyone's ideas that go into the 2nd report. I promise I will also give credit to others as much as possible, including a full credit each report.

Oh, and here is the fun thing...they want the report by 31 March 2008...

Cheers, m

Finally.

I'm a school student living in Alor Star and I use public transport alot. So public transport in Alor Star is a MESS! Dirty and poor manage of the centralized bus station which I don't think very centralized at all, time consuming public transportation, not disable friendly etc. I also hate the fact that most public transport systems in Malaysia are operated by non-government companies aka private companies who only want to make profit instead of making the citizens happy. For example in Alor Star, they don't send their buses on not so busy routes, instead we have to take bus to bus terminal and change to another bus which is very time consuming. The buses here are very old and dirty too, although the new ones are filling up the roads. But most of my problems rely on the inefficiency of the routing system and time consuming travel.

Plz allurban send my message to the transport authority:

1) Public transport is a MESS in all towns in Malaysia except for KL and Penang. At least all state capitals shud have government bus operators running systematic and user-friendly bus services.

2) Ban all pivate bus operators and integrate all into ONE. Allow only Rapid KL to operate in Klang Valley , abolish all Metrobus, Permata Kiara, Minibus etc on KL streets.

3) Send all bus drivers for a special training in Japan , so that they learn on how to be more disciplined in their driving n passenger approach.

4) Make " Next stop" announcement or at least screen display in all buses.

5) Build more Japan-style trains running at 90-120 km/h connecting all state capitals. With high accelleration of course.

6) Build more n more user-frenly footpaths connecting train stations/bus stops with residential area especially.

7) Make sure every TVM works and accept all notes !! Operators must be Fined RM 10,000 for each out-of service TVM without any proper indication.

8) Send everybody in Transportation ministry to Japan for 1-month training to see how things work in Japan and compare the impressive state of public transport in Japan with the very poor state of PT in Malaysia :wallbash: :wallbash:

Rapid KL is the best!
Ive never have a ride on Rapid Penang cuz i always use my dad's car.. hehe

-Construct more city bus terminals, interchanges and proper shelters with bus signs...and maintain them well!
-Provide Bus lanes in downtown areas and strictly enforce such lanes.
-Make regulations for buses to be washed regularly. Clean the inside of buses regularly too.
-Test exhuausts of buses to make sure they don't spew out smoke, making faces of pedestrians black.
-Above all, hire polite and courteous drivers who don't drive buses like Go-karts (maybe their grandfather tells them too much about KL mini-buses, or perhaps they day-dream about F1 drivers.)

- Express bus should have seatbelt for passengers to avoid more serious impact during collision or rollover
- More NGV urban buses because the diesel ones produces black fumes, this is not good for commuters who are waiting at the platform for bus...
- Bus services (Rapid KL) need to be improved, sometimes i have to wait for almost an hour for a bus...
- KLCC is now a hotspot in KL, with more exhibitions and conferences being held in the convention centre, more new condominiums are also being constructed and also the home of the twin towers, existing station (KJ Line) is too overcrowded during peak hours, often resulting into long queues, if there is a loop line being planned for KL central area, it is good if KLCC would get another station if there is new line being planned for the centre of KL....
- Metre gauge track (KTM) in west coast should be double track and electrified to allow 160 km/h operation among major cities as soon as possible to provide alternative for travel and to mitigate the impact of rising fuel cost
- If possible, KTM Komuter Class 81 with single-leaf door, should be converted for intercity use instead, the single-leaf door normally found on intercity trains and that door has slowed the passenger movement during embarking/ disembarking...
- Limited stop KTM Komuter should be considered as the Komuter network getting longer and longer (can be identified with different paint )

LRT/Monorail

-It'd be nice of the LRT stations have more seats. Some stations like Dang Wangi have lots of space and it'd be good to put some sofas and tables with complementary newspapers for those wanting to wait out the rush hour.Platforms also need more ergonomic/comfortable seats.
-Make some effort to make all Star and monorail station disable friendly.More lifts and escalators.
-New TVM machines that does not break down and do not refuse notes for PUTRA LRT especially.
-More monorail coaches please and better maintenance.I noticed some screws missing in the monorail ceiling panels.:ohno: Poor signage at monorail stations and please do something about the heat at the platforms, Sprinkle water on the roof or something.

KTM Komuter

-Better maintenance for KTM coaches, Class 81 floors I notice are peeling.
-Better frequency and punctuality.Hence KTM really need more Commuter trains desperately(DAP,PAS,PKR do something).
-Use computer/voice recording to make announcements. I can never really understand what the driver is announcing. Very important for those who are tired and sleep in commuter.
-Improve air conditioning. Sometimes they either do not work or just too cold.

Bus

-ALso need to improve on maintenance and upkeep of buses. Buses are dirty and dusty.
-Not anti-China but IMO China buses are dirty. Hope RapidKL consider buses from MAN that runs on NGV, very clean and not as noisy as Chinese made buses.
-It'd be good if RapidKL could expand feeder bus service to pass blind spots in suburbs.
-Provide more durable schedule post at bus stops that do not disappear after 3 days.
-Better bus schedule diagrams that's not confusing.
-Better manner from bus drivers please. Increase their pay of you have to.
-Train bus drivers to stop properly at the side of the road rather than in the middle of the road.
-Enforce the law to make sure that stupid cars do not park in front of bus stops. Sadly, my sister's tuition teacher does that and I really would not mind if a RapidKL bus rams into her Kia Picanto.:ohno:

And this will solve all problem : Elect Mr. Moaz Yusuf Ahmad as Malaysia's new Transport Minister :banana: :banana:

KL should focus on Bus first!

-only 2 bus operators for KL
-Electronic Road Pricing
-4 Bus Terminal for KL North, South, West and East.
-Speed up the construction of Plaza Rakyat and Titiwangsa Bus Station

else...you know the others...

For Alor Star, I just hope that we get one single bus operator like RapidKL and RapidPenang. We do need a monorail i guess, from the airport to city centre.

^^ but there are only 3-4 flights a day in Aloq Staq epot...

I think 3 major urban areas (Klang Valley, Penang, South Johor area) can have rail transit first, while for other major towns in West Malaysia maybe can settle for BRT or Bus first....

Regarding PT in other Malaysian states outside Klang Valley and Penang, RapidPenang could just expand their service area cities in kedah and even Perlis.RapidKL could also do the same by expanding to N9 and perhaps some areas in Perak.

As for other states, perhaps duplicate the RapidKL/RapidPenang model.

^^ but there are only 3-4 flights a day in Aloq Staq epot...
The monorail could go to city centre via Anak Bukit, where the new Kedah's Mini Putrajaya located, housing areas which are growing so fast (with alot of new projects like Laman Kuda and those half-a-million ringgit houses and the existing Taman Aman and Taman Berlian), and the new proposed Anak Bukit Railway station, then Pantai Johor which is a neighborhood area, Pumpong where all these residential areas, Kedah Medical Centre area that includes Wisma Darul Aman (state government offices) and so on until maybe Alor Star's main railway station which is located right in the middle of the city.

All these places are actually located along ONE SINGLE road of Lebuhraya Darul Aman so I do think that the monorail has the potential.

^^ALor Setar is still a small city and would not be able to provide a good ridership to sustain a monorail financially.

Ok, no monorails for us. But can at least the gov take over the current public transportation operators? Seriously we need a better public transport system!

Ok, no monorails for us. But can at least the gov take over the current public transportation operators? Seriously we need a better public transport system!

sigh..its kinda sad that state governments themselves do not have the vision to make public transport their priority.

Here in OZ, the states compete to provide the best public transportation. Here in Adelaide, the public tranport is the worse in OZ, but still waaaaay ahead of KL in terms of reliability and punctuality..but of course Adelaide dun have LRT and EMU commuters.

Ok, no monorails for us. But can at least the gov take over the current public transportation operators? Seriously we need a better public transport system!

I think Alor Star can do with proper and punctual bus system and a KTM Komuter-like rail service to Penang....

RapidKL must build or set up more bus stops at locations like Bukit Bintang and Jalan Raja Chulan. There is no proper rapidKL bus stop from westin to lot10. Some of the drivers stop in front of starhill but many refuse and they stop in front of HSBC. It's ridiculous bcoz one has to walk all the way backwards just to get to pavilion etc

Same thing with Jalan raja chulan. There is only 1 stop aloong the whole stretch.

In this regard, I like metrobus coz they will stop once you ring the bell even though it's a taxi stand.

Thanks everyone for the feedback...please keep it coming.

You are also welcome to send emails to transportkini@gmail.com

Cheers, m

1. Please make all buses/ mini buses fully air-conditioned, not only in Klang Valley and Penang, but all towns/cities which have public bus services.

2. Post route service network map at all bus stops. Have timetable posted.

3. Have frequency of 15 minutes during peak hours and 1/2 hour max. during non-peak hours.

4. Each town/cities must have its own regularly maintained website with timetable, fares, and routes posted and any changes of the above announced in advance.

Hi Everyone

The above is the exact title of a report (of sorts) that I have been asked to submit to the Ministry of Finance in preparation for Budget 2009.

Oh, and here is the fun thing...they want the report by 31 March 2008...

Cheers, mThis date has now been extended by 1 week, so I intend to hand in the report on April 7

Cheers, m

^^What are the strong recommendations you've made in that report?

is that possible to have a regulation of all buses to use envorinmental friendly fuel/eco friendly coaches?

diesel fueled buses with black polluted smoke really annoying, especially to motocyclists....

btw, allurban...

please ask DBKL to do something about buses especially metrobus which park and stop their buses around chinatown/jalan tun tan cheng lock for so long (they are making those streets as their 'terminal' i guess)...

these area should be 'bus free'..or at least we got a proper bus terminal...

i've email this matter to DBKL long time ago actually....but nothing is done...i believe this has something to do with unfinished Plaza Rakyat...gee, damn politicians! :bash:

^^What are the strong recommendations you've made in that report?in a nutshell....

Standards and Regulation:

Federal government commits to a national standard for public transportation by creating a National Public Transportation Department/Authority.

This NPTD/A empowers Local Public Transportation Authorities, which are created to administer and regulate public transportation in the different economic regions of Malaysia (Klang Valley-Selangor, Outer Selangor, Kinta, NCER, ECER etc).

The Local Authority owns the buses and routes and leases them out to operators. Regulated competition maintains higher standards in the industry.

CVLB has no more role in public transportation.

Operations:

Indirect and direct subsidy need to be provided

Indirect subsidy can be provided through funding of capital purchases by the Finance Ministry (through SPNB).

For example with respect to buses...SPNB buys buses and the Local Authority or SPNB owns the buses. The Local Authority or SPNB leases/gives the buses to the bus operators for the duration of the contract.

This reduces some of the capital expenditure for the bus operator because they do not have to buy the buses.

Another option (which could work concurrently) is that the Finance Ministry buys a share in each bus operator (in exchange for the buses) to maintain some fairness (because it owns RapidKL 100%)

I also believe that the Local Authority can provide direct operational subsidy as needed.

Currently RapidKL has 50% operational subsidy and 100% capital subsidy (because SNPB buys/owns the buses)...in fact, this makes me wonder why RapidKL service is so poor...they certainly have enough money!

Quality:

Maintain national standards for all urban areas

Each Local Authority can employ different bus operators but they must use a single fare and route designation system (chosen by the LPTA)

move to Euro IV emissions standards (unfortunately, Malaysian diesel only meets Euro II so the diesel must be upgraded as well)

Consumer satisfaction counts when it comes time to renew the contracts

I'll post more details soon.

Cheers, m

btw, allurban...

please ask DBKL to do something about buses especially metrobus which park and stop their buses around chinatown/jalan tun tan cheng lock for so long (they are making those streets as their 'terminal' i guess)...

these area should be 'bus free'..or at least we got a proper bus terminal...

i've email this matter to DBKL long time ago actually....but nothing is done...i believe this has something to do with unfinished Plaza Rakyat...gee, damn politicians! :bash:DBKL is a whole separate organization...and this is a huge issue on its own.

But I'll pass that along....to someone who is talking to them more often. Maybe they can make a difference.

As far as I know, DBKL doesnt have the authority to prevent the buses from stopping...that lies with the RTD/JPJ.

Anyways...it just reflects how messed up and disorganized the system is...

The report will focus on how to streamline the government and how to properly regulate transport. I hope to identify some models to follow (HK is probably the best) and try to make specific suggestions.

With the right level of regulation and competition and government support the other things should sort themselves out.

Sad to say there are a LOT of minor little problems, public transport is dying from 1 thousand little cuts...

Cheers, m

As far as I know, DBKL doesnt have the authority to prevent the buses from stopping...that lies with the RTD/JPJ.

Anyways...it just reflects how messed up and disorganized the system is...

The report will focus on how to streamline the government and how to properly regulate transport. I hope to identify some models to follow (HK is probably the best) and try to make specific suggestions.

With the right level of regulation and competition and government support the other things should sort themselves out.


this is the real issue on public transport, the overlapping of 'authority' among authorities...

too many government agencies holding power on either charging penalties or implementing regulations...

from the report/news i've read quite some time ago...it was DBKL who made the statement of 'solving the parking buses'. so, i believe it is under their power...

They should set up a land transport authority like in Singapore. A one stop agency that handles everything. The idea was proposed a few years ago but never materialised.

All the public buses in KL must gradually switch to NGV buses like Nadi CityLiner to stop the black dirty smoke. Otherwise, use the highest grade clean diesel.

All RapidKL buses must display the bus numbers at the back of the bus. Currently only the handicap buses have the back number display.

Why not state gahmens build the infra/buys buses and let some company like transportation company RapidKL/SMRT run it?

Some suggestions from me:

1) Expedite the planning of Damansara Line with at least two more lines; Puchong Line (linking Gombak and Puchong) and Circle Line. KL doesn't really need more than these.

2) What KL really need in masses is an intergrated pedestrian tunnels, like the one linking Suria and KL Convention Centre. The tunnel could be made underneath some major roads with some important nodes like KLCC, Bukit Bintang, Sultan Ismail, Central Market, PWTC and KL Sentral. KL is not that big and could easily be explored on foot. If needs be, travellator could be added. This is a cheaper solution than building network of trains within KL CBD. No maintenance required except for keeping the tunnels safe, clean and brightly lit up.

Tunnels plus the above 3 lines would be enough for a city like KL.

RapidKL must replace the fare gates at the lrt stations. There are so many problems, one has to insert the ticket several times b4 it accepts.

my proposal on Penang Island Subway Routes and KTM Komuter Seberang Perai Routes.

http://img247.imageshack.us/img247/8819/penangislandeb8.jpg

http://img247.imageshack.us/img247/1718/seberangperainewxw2.jpg

u all may propose a proposal on this thread for subway / monorail / commuter rail systems. Actually i feel very weird because the monorail routes haven't complete in planning routes after 3 years from the announcement of building penang monorail.

The lines i proposed mayb too advanced for Penang State which only have 1.8 million of population.

=DELETED=

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RapidKL must replace the fare gates at the lrt stations. There are so many problems, one has to insert the ticket several times b4 it accepts.

there should be have unification of ticketing system between kelana jaya line and ampang line. for example, from a passenger board lrt from ampang (ampang line) to asia jaya (kelana jaya line), the passenger use the single ticket from ampang to asia jaya. unlike ticketing system using now, need to buy ticket twice in single journey - for the case just now, need to buy ticket at ampang first, then at masjid jamek.

then, replacing faregates having the meaning. and most important is, both lines ticketing system able to be unified because they are handled by single company - SPNB

*and i didn't have problems with the faregates since i have to board on the ampang line lrt almost everyday since seven years ago.

KTM Komuter EMU's only can carry 400 - 500 passengers per trainset which is needed to be upgraded into 6 car EMU to reduce standing passengers. For now, it can be keep standing for 90 minutes without taking a seat from KL Sentral station to Seremban station.

*sorry my computer got problem i don't know i had reposted 3 times... i had deleted the texts on my previous reposts, sry. :cry:

I like your idea on the Perai railway system, but then i would like to see each station or at least some has 4 train tracks along the station, instead of just 2 train tracks, so that mainline intercity trains and also freight train can run at higher speed without much inference from local trains....

@project alicel

Your ideas are very interesting and I would like to provide them to the ministry of finance. I would also invite you to post them to the Penang Subway thread.

You mention that they can use the 3 carriage emu since the Ampang line now uses 4-carriage emu. Can you elaborate?

As far as I know the Ampang line exclusively uses consists of married pairs of carriages. There are two types

cab + trailing car (C + T)
trailing car + trailing car (T + T)

and they are currently used in the combination (C+T)(T+T)(T+C)

Id love to know more information.

By the way, this is for everyone...If you would like your real name and info to be used, please email your info and ideas to transportkini@gmail.com

Cheers, m

@TWK90
actually i didnt study the feasibility. if it run 4 tracks it may cost alot. But i'm sure it is much more worth than 4.6 billion port klang scandal and 38.5 billion compensation for highway concessionaries. the whole project i think didnt cost more than that figures.

@allurban
Ampang Line from starting is using 2+2 trainset, but now using 2+2+2 trainsets. Hence for the 2+2 trainsets should not be wasted to leave them in depot. They can be used in Penang underground railway system.

KTMB should upgrade their EMU in Klang Valley from 3-car to 6-car, to increase passenger capacity from 400-450, into around 900, those 3-car EMU can use in other local lines which have less passengers like in Seberang Perai, Johor Bahru, and Ipoh. Tanjung Malim - Rawang Shuttle Line remains 3-car EMU.

@allurban
Ampang Line from starting is using 2+2 trainset, but now using 2+2+2 trainsets. Hence for the 2+2 trainsets should not be wasted to leave them in depot. They can be used in Penang underground railway system..i see. I would have thought that they would include those 2 + 2 trainsets in the 2 + 2 + 2 configuration...just buy purchasing more of the T + T cars.

Perhaps they are keeping many of the 2 + 2 trainsets in storage. I dont get over to the Ampang depot often but every time I do pass by there seems to be a lot of trains waiting.

I wonder why they operate such a lower service frequency on the weekends. Got the trains, use them.

As for delivering them to Penang...ok, I agree with this proposal but I think that we should also look at other options for railway technology such as light rail (which has slightly more flexibility than the LRT).

Personally...I would like to see the Ampang line expand to create the long awaited KL-Seri Petaling-PJ-Damansara-Kepong-Sentul loop. They could use the trains to run high frequency service and with the loop there would be no delays from changing trains at the end of the line...just proceed to the next station. They could also expand the service from 6 carriages to 8 or 10 or even 12 one day :banana:

KTMB should upgrade their EMU in Klang Valley from 3-car to 6-car, to increase passenger capacity from 400-450, into around 900, those 3-car EMU can use in other local lines which have less passengers like in Seberang Perai, Johor Bahru, and Ipoh. Tanjung Malim - Rawang Shuttle Line remains 3-car EMUFull agreement...but I thought that Tg. Malim-Rawang would be incorporated into the line? Are they planning to operate it separately?

KTM does need a huge increase in the EMU fleet. I also hope it is possible for the Sentul-Batu Caves extension to go to Selayang and beyond.

Cheers, m

Hi Everyone

The discussion with the Ministry of Finance will be taking place today. :banana:

Wish me luck :cheers:

Cheers, m

Hi Aliciel,
I was hoping you can contact me at weilian.lee@bizedge.com
Besides being a forummer, I am a journalist with The Edge and would like to exchange views with you on public transport.

Thank you
Wei Lian

@TWK90
actually i didnt study the feasibility. if it run 4 tracks it may cost alot. But i'm sure it is much more worth than 4.6 billion port klang scandal and 38.5 billion compensation for highway concessionaries. the whole project i think didnt cost more than that figures.

@allurban
Ampang Line from starting is using 2+2 trainset, but now using 2+2+2 trainsets. Hence for the 2+2 trainsets should not be wasted to leave them in depot. They can be used in Penang underground railway system.

KTMB should upgrade their EMU in Klang Valley from 3-car to 6-car, to increase passenger capacity from 400-450, into around 900, those 3-car EMU can use in other local lines which have less passengers like in Seberang Perai, Johor Bahru, and Ipoh. Tanjung Malim - Rawang Shuttle Line remains 3-car EMU.

Hi Everyone

The discussion with the Ministry of Finance will be taking place today. :banana:

Wish me luck :cheers:

Cheers, m

Good Luck!!!!!!

Hi Everyone

My experience with the Majlis Bajet Consultation 2009 was interesting and a little bit disappointing at the same time.

The interesting part was the variety of different people who attended. There were industry leaders, government and non-government organizations, agencies, universities, and moi.

I ended up sitting beside the new CEO of RapidKL...I dont know who set that up...we were both in the second row, within shouting distance of the ministers.

I couldnt believe how many people were up on stage. PM/MK, MKII, TMKI, TMKII, Gabenor Zeti, and the head of SP (dunno what that is) and the securities commission.

I didnt manage to do the presentation but I did speak for 5 minutes about public transport in the open discussion period.

My point was that public transport would increase the mobility and the employability of the people, increase their disposable income, and reduce some of the financial burden.

I also tried to express the value of national standards as well as suggesting that the urban transport authorities be created...starting with the Klang Valley Urban Transport Authority (KUTA).

Sad thing is, I dont think I made my point very well...I was pretty nervous :nuts:

After the discussion I met with a half dozen people from the Ministry of Finance and some consumer's groups, who promised that they would stay in touch.

I then took the bus back to the ERL station....Anyone want to guess how the bus service was? Actually it was quite decent except for the fact that there are no bus shelters or bus schedules along that grand boulevard. Strangely enough, there is space in the back of the bus but people dont move back so the buses appear very crowded.

You would think that the Putrajaya corporation would have built bus shelters, but I guess they were counting on the monorail? And how hard is it to place signs inside the buses saying "Please move back. Thank you!" and "A little further back, PLEASE!" and "Thank you for moving back"

By the way, the Putra Corportation has expanded the fleet of buses. There are now 4 batches...highest number I saw on the ID# was 41.

Cheers, m

ps. Next up > RapidKL 1 year report card...comparing the new service to the old service and seeing if there have been net improvements

send your feedback to transportkini@gmail.com

m

oh...so the meeting was about budget 2009....emm...so, did you ask the rapidKL CEO on their planning for KL bus service?....i heard that rapidKL is planning to take over metrobus :dunno:...is there any plan to re-re-re-reorganise/centrelise all bus operators?

it seems current situation of rapidKL enhancing their service while others are not..,doesn't improve anything for whole KL!

oh...so the meeting was about budget 2009....emm...so, did you ask the rapidKL CEO on their planning for KL bus service?....i heard that rapidKL is planning to take over metrobus :dunno:...is there any plan to re-re-re-reorganise/centrelise all bus operators?I didnt ask him about this specifically but I did mention to him that I hoped he had some good plans.

Hehehe it turned out that he did. Somehow he picked up my MoF folder (with my notes inside) and took my notes...and I ended up with his notes and comments and prep for the meeting.

3 of his 6 proposals were similar to my own ideas.

it seems current situation of rapidKL enhancing their service while others are not..,doesn't improve anything for whole KL!You're right...that's why I recommended that the Finance ministry extend the capital purchase scheme to the other bus companies in exchange for better and more reasonable operations.

The operators should not be getting SME loans to buy buses...the government should take care of the purchases (economics of scale and all that) and let the operators focus on operations and maintenance costs.

cheers, m

seriously Allurban, if our Ministers/politicians are really honest in doing their jobs, they don't need to ask people's suggestions like this ! If they are really honest, if they really "turun padang " taking bus and train rides together with rakyat, they would've already understood the whole problem and had tackled all these problems quickly ! Asking suggestions like this only expose their true colour- that they never got down onto the streets and never experience the public transport service by their own self !

If our Ministers/politicians really had joined the rakyat , taking KTM Komuter in a busy rush-hour in KL, there would never be problems like delays , trains moving too slow, mesin tiket rosak etc.

If our Ministers/politicians really had joined the rakyat, taking Rapid KL bus , then there would never be stupidities like Bus not stopping in certain stops, rude and violent bus drivers, Vandalism in bus stops, infrequent and unrealiable bus service and so on :bash: :bash:

If our Ministers/politicians really had joined the rakyat taking cabs , then the problem of stupid cab drivers not using meter, not wearing seat belt, driving so aggressively , and cheating passengers would never exist anymore ! :bash: :bash:

How come profefsional people , especially those with Minister title, have to ask suggestions from users like this ? :bash: :bash: If they are really honest in doing their jobs, they would already know the problems faced by users/rakyat even before users/rakyats start to voice their anger :wallbash: :wallbash:

- Rapid KL bus, sometimes when i wait at Kelana Jaya station for T623, sometimes I had to wait for more than 1 hour, even though the T623 bus was there for more than 20 mins. after i came to Kelana Jaya station...

- KTM Komuter, almost every time when I take the KTM Komuter, there will be delay, delay can be seen frequently in Rawang-Seremban line....i think that KTMB should consider draw box or line that indicates the train door will stop there....should not be hard eventhough it isn't not computer controlled like the Kelana Jaya line, because, actually, Ampang line (which is manually operated) also have drawn box/ line at Chan Sow Lin station, and they stop quite accurately (matching the drawn line), this helps to prevent commuters from pushing each other whenever they want to disembark/ embark at most halts (although this solution will not able to solve overcrowding at KL Sentral, because the crowd is too large and can be solved only with more operating EMUs)...

- I think it will be good if taxis are compelled to have receipt being printed by the meter (with GPS coordinates) to prevent overcharging...just my opinion...

That's why Mr Moaz Yusuf Ahmed aka Allurban, instead of suggesting user's perspectives to the Ministry ( will they listen to us anyway ? :bash: ) , why don't you suggest your name to be the next Transport Minister ? From all your posts here in SSC forum , I know that you really understand totally the problems faced by rakyat esp. in confronting the VERY poor public transportation system in a developed country like Malaysia . Had you become the Transport Minister of Malaysia, I can't imagine how easy life in Malaysia will become-- with comfy and one of the greatest PT systems in the world :)

^^having new, modern looking buses is not an issue. the main thing that government/DBKL in this case has to focus is, to give a confidence to public transport users and car owners. if they see buses also stuck in a horrible traffic jam, or even most of the time, contributing to traffic jam....than...they will be thinking that using public transport solves nothing for them, individually. they will still late going to their office...even tho they are using public transport.

first...bus lane/busway has to be implemented.

second...KL must have north/south/east/west bus terminal which connect far distance-suburbs with city center. this to reduce the number of buses which enter city center. enforce this to taxis as well!

3rd....'city toll' or 'ERP'...charge those stubborn car users who enter city center...

4th....not least, RESUME PLAZA RAKYAT!!! and convert Pudu bus station into city buses terminal (rapidKL, metrobus, leng seng...)

^^i've already mention it in my earlier post...and they are not that difficult to implement. forget about LRT/monorail/aerorail/tram and other bullshit, if people's confidence of bus services is left ignored.

btw, the extension of LRT was in 2008 budget...but until now, still no news about it?

seriously Allurban, if our Ministers/politicians are really honest in doing their jobs, they don't need to ask people's suggestions like this ! If they are really honest, if they really "turun padang " taking bus and train rides together with rakyat, they would've already understood the whole problem and had tackled all these problems quickly ! Asking suggestions like this only expose their true colour- that they never got down onto the streets and never experience the public transport service by their own self !

ministers/government higher officials still have to consult professionals lah! you think they are so clever to think by their ownselves?

^^ Mesin tiket rosak pun kena consult profesional ? Pemandu teksi samseng tak guna meter pun kena consult profesional ? Bas RapidKL tak mematuhi jadual pun kena consult jugak ?

Ini bukan consult pasal nak bina stesen itu landasan ini :bash:

Ini tentang sikap.. attitude ! If they turun padang to see the problem faced by rakyats and not only stay comfort inside their Merce BMW with driver. Then there will be no more stupid issues like Pemandu teksi samseng, Bas Rapid KL tak ikut jadual, n Mestin Tiket Rosak .

^^ Mesin tiket rosak pun kena consult profesional ? Pemandu teksi samseng tak guna meter pun kena consult profesional ? Bas RapidKL tak mematuhi jadual pun kena consult jugak ?

Ini bukan consult pasal nak bina stesen itu landasan ini :bash:

Ini tentang sikap.. attitude ! If they turun padang to see the problem faced by rakyats and not only stay comfort inside their Merce BMW with driver. Then there will be no more stupid issues like Pemandu teksi samseng, Bas Rapid KL tak ikut jadual, n Mestin Tiket Rosak .

That's why we need more noise and effort by people. Even sending a complain to RapidKL is a small but significant step to voicing out our demand for a better PT.

^^ Mesin tiket rosak pun kena consult profesional ? Pemandu teksi samseng tak guna meter pun kena consult profesional ? Bas RapidKL tak mematuhi jadual pun kena consult jugak ?

Ini bukan consult pasal nak bina stesen itu landasan ini :bash:

Ini tentang sikap.. attitude ! If they turun padang to see the problem faced by rakyats and not only stay comfort inside their Merce BMW with driver. Then there will be no more stupid issues like Pemandu teksi samseng, Bas Rapid KL tak ikut jadual, n Mestin Tiket Rosak .

that are a job handles by lower group of officials!...and those are acts that carried by enforcers, not the policy maker,ketua-ketua jabatan, pengarah-pengarah, menteri-menteri, cerdik!

we are talking about structuring the system for whole Klang Vally, not about minor2 thingy tu...

you tak bekerja lagi, apa yang you tau pasal 'alam pekerjaan' dan skop pekerjaan????? you ingat kalo nak tgk KL bersih macam tandas Phuket...Pak Lah kena kutip sampah tu ke..? setiap level pegawai tu ada skop kerja dia...bukan semua dia kena buat, pandai!

- I think it will be good if taxis are compelled to have receipt being printed by the meter (with GPS coordinates) to prevent overcharging...just my opinion...

Why not introduce pre-paid card interface for all taxi service. Something like the touch n go. You swipe when you enter the cab. And swipe out after you reach the destination. The amount has to be calculated by the on-board meter. By doing this the cab has no other choice but to turn on the on-board meter.

3 of his 6 proposals were similar to my own ideas.


cheers, m

What are the 3 proposals?

seriously Allurban, if our Ministers/politicians are really honest in doing their jobs, they don't need to ask people's suggestions like this ! If they are really honest, if they really "turun padang " taking bus and train rides together with rakyat, they would've already understood the whole problem and had tackled all these problems quickly ! Asking suggestions like this only expose their true colour- that they never got down onto the streets and never experience the public transport service by their own self !

How come profefsional people , especially those with Minister title, have to ask suggestions from users like this ? :bash: :bash: If they are really honest in doing their jobs, they would already know the problems faced by users/rakyat even before users/rakyats start to voice their anger :wallbash: :wallbash:Skyprince, I wish it were that easy, but it isnt. I grew up in Toronto and the system has been breaking down for 10+ years. The commissioner, many city councillors, the mayor, and many of the company employees use transit regularly but the system is still in bad shape.

So we can do a lot but going and turun padang (even regularly) will not give a politician or even a regular user an understanding of the whole picture. They will understand the missing details and the problems on the ground but they will be stuck in frustration.

Even when I spoke out for public transport at the meeting I had to express the advantages in terms of mobility and employability and traffic congestion (which is what people care about) rather than describing it as a lifestyle choice (which people dont understand). There is still the political will and right now the political will is not supporting simple, basic, effective public transport. But it is nice to see that the political will is moving against megaprojects too.

That's why Mr Moaz Yusuf Ahmed aka Allurban, instead of suggesting user's perspectives to the Ministry ( will they listen to us anyway ? :bash: ) , why don't you suggest your name to be the next Transport Minister ? From all your posts here in SSC forum , I know that you really understand totally the problems faced by rakyat esp. in confronting the VERY poor public transportation system in a developed country like Malaysia . Had you become the Transport Minister of Malaysia, I can't imagine how easy life in Malaysia will become-- with comfy and one of the greatest PT systems in the world :)Thanks for the support Skyprince, but it wont happen anytime soon. For one thing, Im very underqualified...Im not even Malaysian and Im not a party member (MCA always gets the Transport file) and I dont have the recognition of the people.

I also have a full time teaching job (which I enjoy) and I dont think the government would let me work in two jobs. Probably most important is that Im not a politician and I value my independence.

Oh, and there is another issue...the way the government is structured. Transport doesnt do much in the way of planning...they handle the regulation of trains and railways, airspace and airplanes, boats and waterways, and roads. CVLB handles the regulation of private buses but not enforcement. Finance handles Finance, and the EPU handles planning.

The system is messed up so being the Transport Minister doesnt mean much.

My goal is to facilitate things...to bring the people and government and the professionals together on this issue...That is the reason why I asked RapidKL to provide feedback (self assessment) for the review.

My ultimate goal is to change the existing system into a more effective one...and this has to be done soon.

The issue is getting more and more crucial. Car dependency is keeping many lower-income Malaysians in a life of dependency. The government has shown that it will sacrifice Malaysia's future (infrastructure and development) in order to maintain the status quo - a society with a large number of people living hand-to-mouth, dependent on the government (and hopefully, beholden to them come election time).

I am sharing my ideas with everyone because I believe in the value of sharing information and ideas. I also believe that the time is right for change.

I only hope that other people will start seeing things the way we do on this forum.

Cheers, m

What are the 3 proposals?
hehehee well, I didnt look very carefully as it wouldnt be right for me to look...but as I recall he included the following:

*Local Public Transport Authority
*Tax Rebate for the purchase of monthly passes (as well as corporate tax writeoff + extra rebate)
*Bus lanes including contra flow lanes

I told him I was willing to share my proposal in return for him sharing RapidKLs proposal.

I totally believe in information sharing.

Cheers, m

allurban,

I don't use public transport in KL much so i can't give specific inputs but when I travel overseas I try to see the way different places organize their public transport. I was in Switzerland, in the Italian part called Ticino it is comparable to a state in Msia, and used alot of its public transport to get around and may be some of their organization can be applied here.

Apologies to Greg if some of my observations or inferences are not right.

It seems that all public transport in Ticino is govt owned or controlled, that is all the buses, trains and ferry services are integrated as one with not much overlap of routes. The backbone of the system is the railway, it runs thru the major towns in Ticino and connects with the rest of Switzerland and also to Italy to the south.
In the main city of Lugano there are buses to different parts of the city from its main bus station, there is no overlap routes. No other bus company ply these routes.
From Lugano's main railway station the train can be taken to all main towns in Ticino state. Smaller towns and villages are covered by buses connecting to the nearest train station
Example- if applied to say a small area of Perak- if you lived in Teluk Intan there will be a govt owned bus service providing regular say 45 mins or hourly service to Slim River or Tapah railway station to connect to the regular train service to Ipoh or KL. The bus service also stops at smaller villages or towns along the way to the railway station so provides a bus service connecting the villages and towns in that area and also allow connection to Ipoh and KL via the railway. All this requires proper integration so that the buses arriving and leaving the railway station are coordinated to the arrival and departure of the trains so that connecting is easy and the wait is not too long. So all the small towns around the railway stations in Perak can be connected to the station by bus routes that wind thru them.
The down side is this requires alot of financing in terms of trains and buses in sufficient numbers and subsidized fares.
This can already be done for northern Selangor as the double tracking electrified rail is already in place just start connecting the nearby towns to Rawang Station eg Bkt Beruntung and all the other new housing areas. The rail infrastructure is already getting built- connect the dots(towns and villages) with buses to the rail station and have rapid train connections to KL and Ipoh and we have a Swiss level of public transport. Forget about the railway station buildings or bus stops even if they are old just maintain them but concentrate on the trains and buses.
Sorry if I am a bit overexcited about this but I have experienced it in Switzerland and it can be done here and it can change how public transport is used and perceive here, what more it integrates the more rural areas into the public transport system.

This is the map of the public transport around the Ticino 'state'. The raiway lines are in black and the bus routes are in red. you can see clearly that the bus routes connect to nearby rail stations and help feed traffic to the rail and vice versa. Buses cover nearly all areas and integrate into the rail network to bring public transport to everyone
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d163/picaddict_1975/Switzerland/IMG_1007.jpg

This is the regional train connecting towns in Ticino and it actually crosses the border to Italy and connects to Italian towns in Italy all the way to Milan about 2 hours away. Think about it- South Thailand towns to Kedah, Penang and Johor-Singapore!
I think it maybe the newer version of the KLIA express.
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d163/picaddict_1975/Switzerland/IMG_1008.jpg

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d163/picaddict_1975/Switzerland/IMG_1008.jpg

This one looks nice, i think this one from Stadler Rail, model FLIRT...

http://www.stadlerrail.com/default.asp?n=94&ms=6&h=1&id=253&s=2

allurban,

I don't use public transport in KL much so i can't give specific inputs but when I travel overseas I try to see the way different places organize their public transport. I was in Switzerland, in the Italian part called Ticino it is comparable to a state in Msia, and used alot of its public transport to get around and may be some of their organization can be applied here..Travellator

Thanks for the information...it is very useful.

Cheers, m

We must take the right steps to improve public transportation (http://www.penangwatch.net/node/2570)

With the recent decrease in the fuel subsidy, many people have complained that they would be willing to use public transportation if it were improved. They are calling loudly and clearly to the government to improve public transportation. I support these calls to improve public transportation. I support the idea that we must look at other places and see what they have done to improve their public transport system.

However, it must be clearly understood that there is a right way and a wrong way to improve public transportation in Malaysia. So I would like to present my suggestions, in what I believe to be the correct order of importance.

1) A Parliamentary Committee for Public Transportation must be created to oversee public transportation in Malaysia.

The existing Cabinet Committee does not have the confidence of the people of Malaysia (or, I imagine, Parliament itself). The presence of a Parliamentary Committee will improve confidence in public transportation. Planning and decision making will be improved through open planning and discussion. The Committee will help the MPs and the public to understand the proposals from the bus operators and the government, so the best plans are made.

2) A single National Authority for Public Transporation to create national standards, while Local and Regional Public Transportation Authorities will plan and implement strategies on the local level.

Public transport planning is invariably a local and/or regional service. It would not be possible for the proposed Suruhanjaya Pengangkutan Awam Negara (SPAN) to plan and oversee public transportation properly. Thus, each economic region of the country should have its own Local or Regional Public Transport Authority to own the bus routes and transport corridors and plan the future of public transportation.

3) Regulated Competition would be enhanced under the system provided.

The Public Transport Authority would own the buses and provide capital funding, while the operators would be required to compete for routes. This combination of regulation and competition would improve service levels and provide better, customer-focused services. Operators that could not meet the expectations of the Local Authority or the passengers would lose the routes to their competitors.

4) Proper funding for maintenance and expansion.

Since it started operating in 1995, the KTM Komuter service has been horribly neglected. The fleet size has decreased by 50% while passenger demand has actually tripled. Poor planning and oversight has left KTMB unprepared for the expanded passenger demands. An open Parliamentary Committee would be able to review the plans of the operators and proposals and make the necessary investments to improve public transportation.

5) Only a few operators, please

Competition is hurting public transportation in Malaysia. The only way that we can see real improvements is to reduce competition within the industry and focus on consolidation. The largest bus company, Konsortium Transnasional Berhad, is a good example of this consolidation. It offers express and intercity and urban bus services through its different branches and brands. Konsortium Bas Ekspres on the other hand, shows you what happens when there is consolidation without proper regulation. Konsortium Bas Ekspres has become notorious for bus crashes, underpaid and reckless drivers, and poor maintenance.

The government should encourage existing operators to form properly regulated conglomerates like KTB. Under the proposed system of regulated competition, the Local Authority can even (with proper justification) invite foreign transport companies like First and Veolia and ComfortDelGro to compete for bus routes tendered in their areas.

6) Proper information

Malaysians are, ironically, being restricted by companies that are supposed to provide them mobility. Bus operators and even government operators like RapidKL, KL Monorail, and KTMB are doing everything in their power to keep passengers using their services-even at the expense of passenger convenience. Bus operators only provide basic route information and only on the bus itself. RapidKL has discouraged the sale of integrated public transport maps like BastrenKL at LRT stations and bus hubs. In addition, for RapidKL to provide route information at a bus stop or give updates on the radio, they are forced to pay advertising rates.

With little or no comprehensive information available to public transport users, their ability to use the services and maximize their ringgit is severly limited. When the local Public Transport Authorities are created they should be expected to provide information through signs on bus stops, the internet, news-spots on broadcasting and narrowcasting, free paper guides, downloadable route maps, and sms services. This will help information reach the customers.

7) More buses and train carriages

Most people would think that this should be further up in the list but I disagree. We cannot build public transportation without realistic demands and proper data. Without these vital pieces of information, our planning is reduced to "If we build it, they will come". There are enough buses in the Klang Valley (shared among the major and minor bus operators) to meet all of the needs to the DBKL. These buses need to be better organized so they do not only focus on the profitable routes and do not spend most of their time waiting for passengers.

Only a local public transport authority which owns the routes and controls the buses would be able to implement a successful system. If we rely on the operators themselves to organize and improve services, nothing will happen.

8) Build better public transport from the bottom up

Bus lanes are not a popular solution among drivers. But we have to realize that bus lanes and bus rapid transit system are a solution that will work for the Klang Valley and throughout Malaysia. Rather than spending all our funds in the Klang Valley alone, we should be thinking about improving public transportation throughout the country.

To give you an understanding of this, consider the 120km of rail lines proposed in the KLCity2020 Draft Plan. Most of these lines will cost RM200-300 million per km. It will cost a total of RM 40 billion to build all of these lines, but the capacity will be the same as the existing KL Monorail and Kelana Jaya LRT. However, if the 120km of lines were built as a mix of Bus Rapid Transit and Rapid Tram lines, they could be built for RM40-75 million per km or approximately 7-10 billion, which would spare another RM30 billion for the rest of the country!

9) A complete mass-transit network

Mass-transit networks are vital for urban and suburban areas. Each economic region of Malaysia should have a complete public transport network and the backbone of this network comes from rail services. Instead of focusing on building "more lines" and "more extensions" the goal should be completing the network as quickly and effectively as possible. Once effective, rapid networks are in place, we can plan and upgrade capacity on the various lines.

One day we will need more LRT and KTM Komuter in the Klang Valley, Rapid Trams in Georgetown, and Johor, and KTM Komuter Udara, Selatan and Timur, and high speed rail networks in Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah and Sarawak. But until then, we have to focus on building realistic demand for public transportation services.

10) Affordable and reasonable fares

I disagree with any proposal that says that bus fares and public transport fares must be subsidized. Most people would assume that the "lower-income group" comprise the majority of public transport users, and therefore subsidies would be necessary. However, this only perpetuates the image that public transport is for the lower-income group and the poor.

The fact is that low fares have brought us into this situation of low-quality service. Effectively, we get what we pay for. So if we wish to see public transportation improve, we will have to invest more money into our services and that includes higher fares.

At the same time, higher fares do not have to be a burden. Under the system of regulated competition, the local authority would be able to run the fare system and they would be the best choice to implement the subsidy for operators. The local authority can also provide support to the needy in the form of free bus passes or discounted bus passes. They can also encourage fare-saving promotions, fare discounts for using Touch N Go, and even income tax credits for those who purchase monthly and weekly passes.

This is the time when we may see real improvements to public transportation. Unfortunately, is quite easy to fall under the spell of the "megaproject" and dream the "LRT dream" and lose sight of the fact that public transport planning has to be realistic. I fear that the government and MPs, if they do not prepare themselves, will not be able to resist the temptation to support the megaprojects and dream the dreams.

But if we take the right steps to improve public transportation, our lives will change for the better. We will have greater freedom to spend our money on ourselves and our families and our own interests, rather than paying outrageous petrol prices and tolls and spending our life stuck in traffic jams. We will have better quality of life and more time to enjoy our lives.

Cheers, m

LRT/Monorail

-It'd be nice of the LRT stations have more seats. Some stations like Dang Wangi have lots of space and it'd be good to put some sofas and tables with complementary newspapers for those wanting to wait out the rush hour.Platforms also need more ergonomic/comfortable seats.
-Make some effort to make all Star and monorail station disable friendly.More lifts and escalators.
-New TVM machines that does not break down and do not refuse notes for PUTRA LRT especially.
-More monorail coaches please and better maintenance.I noticed some screws missing in the monorail ceiling panels.:ohno: Poor signage at monorail stations and please do something about the heat at the platforms, Sprinkle water on the roof or something.

KTM Komuter

-Better maintenance for KTM coaches, Class 81 floors I notice are peeling.
-Better frequency and punctuality.Hence KTM really need more Commuter trains desperately(DAP,PAS,PKR do something).
-Use computer/voice recording to make announcements. I can never really understand what the driver is announcing. Very important for those who are tired and sleep in commuter.
-Improve air conditioning. Sometimes they either do not work or just too cold.

Bus

-ALso need to improve on maintenance and upkeep of buses. Buses are dirty and dusty.
-Not anti-China but IMO China buses are dirty. Hope RapidKL consider buses from MAN that runs on NGV, very clean and not as noisy as Chinese made buses.
-It'd be good if RapidKL could expand feeder bus service to pass blind spots in suburbs.
-Provide more durable schedule post at bus stops that do not disappear after 3 days.
-Better bus schedule diagrams that's not confusing.
-Better manner from bus drivers please. Increase their pay of you have to.
-Train bus drivers to stop properly at the side of the road rather than in the middle of the road.
-Enforce the law to make sure that stupid cars do not park in front of bus stops. Sadly, my sister's tuition teacher does that and I really would not mind if a RapidKL bus rams into her Kia Picanto.:ohno:



European Made (Mercedes / MAN) ?


Example :-


Intrakota Bus


Dirty, noisy, and Dusty



China Made (Dong Feng)


Nice & Smooth.....

well the countrywide public transport authority will soon be a reality.:)

New Commission To Oversee All Public Transport Programmes
KUALA LUMPUR, June 26 (Bernama) -- A commission will be established to plan and coordinate all public transport programmes and initiatives in the country, according to the Economic Planning Unit (EPU) of the Prime Minister's Department.

The commission will also be responsible for regulating the public transport sector and developing a more efficient and integrated public transport system, it said in the Mid-Term Review of the Ninth Malaysia Plan (2006-2010).

It said: "Efforts such as increasing coverage of the urban rail transit system and building more integrated transport terminals as well as improving the efficiency of the (KTM) Komuter, bus and taxi services will be undertaken to achieve the target ratio of private vehicles to public transport of 70:30 by 2010, particularly in the Klang Valley."

The development of various transport infrastructure will also be taken into consideration, providing greater accessibility and more convenient public transport facilities to people with disabilities, it said.

The EPU said the coverage of the Komuter service will be extended with the completion of the Sentul-Batu Caves electrified double-tracking rail project, which is expected to benefit about 8,800 commuters per day.

The Kelana Jaya Line of the Light Rail Transit (LRT) will be extended from Kelana Jaya to Putra Heights, and the Ampang Line from Sri Petaling to Putra Heights, it said. Connectivity will be provided at Putra Heights by an interchange station for both lines.

It said the insufficient road space to cope with the rapidly increasing number of private vehicles and inadequate public transport services will be addressed systematically.

On roads, it said a study is being undertaken to identify additional road requirements to improve the road network and accessibility in Sabah and Sarawak.

Other road developments will include the second phase of the East Coast Highway, from Kuantan to Kuala Terengganu, and the Senai-Desaru Highway.

The EPU also said that rural air services will be expanded to improve access to remote areas in Sabah and Sarawak, and further improvement of the low-cost carrier (LCC) terminals will enable expansion of facilities and provide greater access to low-cost travel to a larger segment of the population.

More urbanites turn to cycling to get around
Stories by JAYAGANDI JAYARAJ


AS the popular saying goes, when the going gets tough, the tough gets going.

So, despite the price of petrol shooting up by 41% on June 5, those determined to get through the difficult times are not just whining and complaining but turning to viable options to get around.

Hence, there has been a noticeable change in the lifestyle of many of these tough urban people, especially when it comes to travelling.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2008/7/10/central/p2Alwin.jpg
Travelling made easy: Ting cycling around on errands to save on fuel.

Carpooling, for instance, is becoming a popular option for many people. Friends and colleagues living and working around the same area are taking turns to drive to and from work.

There are also more people commuting by public transportations such as the monorail, LRT and the buses, never mind about being packed like sardines.

There is also a new breed of health-conscious people switching to the most environmentally friendly mode of transport - the bicycle.

Many may not be cycling to work now due to reasons like distance, road safety and the unpredictable weather, but bicycles are being purchased and used within the neighbourhood for little chores.

Motorcycle sales have also increased as many, especially the young, opt for the machine to travel to and from work.

According to Boon Siew Honda manager Tony Wong, there was a short surge in the sale of motorbikes immediately after the petrol price hike but it slowed down after a while.

Wong said most of the people who bought the motorbikes owned two or three cars in their households.

“Some traded in a car for a motorbike,” he told StarMetro during an interview.

Motorcycles and Scooters Dealers Association chairman Wee Hong said that there was an estimated sale of 48,000 units of motorbikes for the month of June alone compared to 42,000 sold in May.

Wee said that it was apparent that the increase in sale was due to the petrol price hike.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2008/7/10/central/p2SiowFong.jpg
In demand: Siow showing off the wide range of bicycles sold at his shop.

“But it could also be due to the motorbike price hike at the end of June” he said.

According to USJ Cycle shop owner Siow Fong Fatt, his company recorded a 20% to 30% increase in bicycle sales since the petrol hike.

He said that besides the increase in bicycle sales there were more people coming to his shop for repairing, buying helmets and full cycling equipment.

“My customers normally use the bike for utility and short distance travelling, such as cycling to the nearby park or the convenience store,” he said.

Siow has been selling bicycles for more than 30 years. His clientele consists of people from all walks of life.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2008/7/10/central/p2Eddie.jpg
Cheaper option: Oh using his bicycle to get about. He has managed to save nearly RM300 a month on fuel.

“Due to bus fare increase, some students cycle to school now but parents are still concerned about the traffic and their safety,” Siow said.

“Education is very important but there is a lack of awareness on road safety. Parents and teachers play an important role in teaching children about road safety,” he said.

Siow said the petrol hike had also contributed to the change in lifestyles.

“Now people spend more time together for family activities such as cycling. When I chatted with the coffee shop owner next door, he told me that more customers living within the vicinity cycle to his shop now instead of driving,” he said.

Siow hopes the government would build more bike paths to support cycling.

Siow’s customer Alwin Ting, 39, who runs his own business, bought a bicycle three weeks ago for recreation purposes.

Ting cycles with his children over the weekend for morning breakfast or simply around the neighbourhood to buy things.

“During weekends, I cycle with my children for breakfast or around the neighbourhood to buy things,” he said.

However, his main concern is safety on the road.

“Safety gears are quite expensive and our roads are not suitable for cycling,” Ting said.

Since the petrol hike, 30-year-old manager Eddie Oh has been utilising his bicycle and Jaguh motorbike more often.

Oh had bought his bike two years ago for recreational purposes and used to cycle once or twice a week but since the petrol hike, he has decided to cycle three to four times a week to buy newspapers or to run errands.

According to Oh, he saves nearly RM300 a month by using his car less.

“I save not only on petrol but also on maintenance. It’s also environmentally friendly to cycle,” he said.

Oh said that although it was sometimes dangerous to cycle, he had no choice because he wanted to save on petrol money.

Oh said he hoped the authorities would build dedicated lanes for bicycles and motorbikes.

Related Stories:

Bike Boutique getting to be popular


THE Bike Boutique in the Metropolitan Square in Damansara Perdana, Selangor, may be a new concept but the bike lodger’ place is fast attracting adherents after the June 5 petrol hike.

The boutique allows cyclists to lodge their bicycles at the premises before they walk over to their offices in the vicinity.

The lodgers are also provided with the use of a swimming pool, locker, bathroom and towel services for a monthly fee of RM60 or a daily rate of RM10 to RM15.

The boutique is also planning to operate a laundry service in the near future.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2008/7/10/central/p3Lodger.jpg
Convenient: Nik Arif Sidek lodging his bicycle at the Bike Boutique before heading off to work.

Currently, the boutique has about 15 lodgers from Subang, Kelana Jaya and Taman Tun Dr Ismail (TTDI) who work in Damansara Perdana. It can accommodate up to 30 lodgers.

According to Bike Boutique manager Simon Tan, some lodgers may not cycle to work everyday as they have meetings to rush to.

Tan said that most lodgers ranged from mid-20s to mid-30s in age.

“We started off in February in this location but at that time there were not many lodgers. After the petrol price hike, we had an increase in the numbers and there are also more people interested in the concept,” Tan told StarMetro.

Alex Bart Bok started the first Bike Boutique in Singapore in 2005. There are plans to operate the franchise in Australia, Thailand, the Philippines and Hong Kong.

Tan said there were plans to open four more boutiques in Malaysia, Penang being the next location.

“The company is also in the process of creating cycling routes for the cyclists when travelling and these information can be found in our website,” he said.

The boutique is also the authorised dealer for top range Cervelo road and tri bikes and offers bike-fitting services too.

Source : http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v3/news.php?id=344918



Need To Enlighten People On Multi-level Jurisdiction Of Govt, Says Tee Keat


KLANG, July 8 (Bernama) -- Transport Minister Datuk Ong Tee Keat Tuesday night spoke of the need to enlighten the public on the multi-level jurisdiction of government from the federal level to the local council to empower them to exercise their civil rights to solve their daily problems.

A lack of understanding of the functions and jurisdiction of the type of government and its agencies was a deterrent to the people's bid in exercising their rights as citizens, he told reporters at the 40th anniversary dinner of the Klang Commercial Athletic Club, here.

One example was the issue of traffic congestion, where the people usually blamed the Ministry of Transport for the problems but mostly it would be under the jurisdiction of the local municipality, he said.

Besides, he said, people always thought that potholes on the road were under the jurisdiction of the ministry but actually it should be under the local government authority (for council roads) and the state government or the Ministry of Works (for trunk roads).

Ong said what made matters worse was that even state assemblymen or members of parliament could not also differentiate the multi-level jurisdiction of government and its agencies at the federal, state or local government.

For example, the issue of public transportation alone was handled by 13 federal government agencies and one clear-cut example of public transportation handled by the Ministry of Transport was the railway operated by KTM Bhd, he said.

Ong said non-governmental organisations should play their role in enhancing public awareness on the role of the government from the federal level to the local councils so that the people would know which department or agency they should go to lodge complaints and not just simply shoot in the dark without having the right aim at the right target.

-- BERNAMA




This highlights that a single body in charge of public transport is sorely needed for better integration and planning in public transport...

"Too many cooks spoil the broth"

Bad urban planning always result problem such as double parking too, that adds to the road and street congestion...i agree that public need to be informed of which body that is responsible to particular matter, if not, wrong finger pointing will just delay solution...

[b][size="5"]
http://thestar.com.my/archives/2008/7/10/central/p2Alwin.jpg
Travelling made easy: Ting cycling around on errands to save on fuel.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2008/7/10/central/p2SiowFong.jpg
In demand: Siow showing off the wide range of bicycles sold at his shop.

“Safety gears are quite expensive and our roads are not suitable for cycling,” Ting said.



In Australia..tak pakai helmet kene saman....can be a good source of rasuah for PDRM..tapi rasuah RM10 le..takdele RM50 cam kete :lol:.

Anyway, cycling should be encouraged for short trips to shops to overcome Malaysian nasty habit of taking the car for short trips like buying bread and cigarettes at kedai mamak.:nuts:

It's kinda strange in OZ< cyclist travel in the same was as the cars while in Malaysia cyclists head opposite direction of the cars, we really do not trust our driving capabilities.

This one looks nice, i think this one from Stadler Rail, model FLIRT...

http://www.stadlerrail.com/default.asp?n=94&ms=6&h=1&id=253&s=2

hehe....i'm so impressed with TWK90's knowledge in train and coaches brand and models...hehe, i guess your house must have the miniature collection :D

btw, do you know the cost for a bus (yes, bus..not train) using diesel and NGV, how much the different? bcoz i think big city like KL should use NGV bus. diesel's black smog really makes me hate policy maker/authority!!:lol:

hehe....i'm so impressed with TWK90's knowledge in train and coaches brand and models...hehe, i guess your house must have the miniature collection :D

btw, do you know the cost for a bus (yes, bus..not train) using diesel and NGV, how much the different? bcoz i think big city like KL should use NGV bus. diesel's black smog really makes me hate policy maker/authority!!:lol:

I don't know the cost, but if there is more gas pipelines + NGV stations, then having NGV bus is desirable! That is because, when i was waiting at a Rapid KL bus hub, commuters that are waiting at the hub, they have to bear the black fumes from the buses because some buses were idling at that time....doesn't sound good for some people who have health problem and also, it degrade the stations paint, like the white coloured wall, became a little dark because of the fumes....

I don't know the cost, but if there is more gas pipelines + NGV stations, then having NGV bus is desirable! That is because, when i was waiting at a Rapid KL bus hub, commuters that are waiting at the hub, they have to bear the black fumes from the buses because some buses were idling at that time....doesn't sound good for some people who have health problem and also, it degrade the stations paint, like the white coloured wall, became a little dark because of the fumes....

as a motocyclist like me, you have the idea of what i feel about the black fume. building an NGV station for public transport is not a headache like those for private vehicle bcoz of the pipeline. and if the cost for the NGV bus has not much different than the diesel's. i can't see why government not pushing bus operator to use them.

not sure either the coming National Energy Policy mention about energy usage for public transport. i'll wait and see...

Hi Everyone

The Association for the Improvement of Mass Transit (TRANSIT) Klang Valley has become active.

Aside from our press conference on August 23, we have also commented on the 2009 Budget, Participated in the National Summit on Urban Public Transport (18 Sept) and are commenting on various issues in public transport.

We need your support, ideas and feedback.

Please visit our blogsite at transitmy.org

You may also wish to join the Yahoo Group, Klangvalley_Transit (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/klangvalley_transit/)

Post message: klangvalley_transit@yahoogroups.com
Subscribe: klangvalley_transit-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

^^just another forum?

invite prominent figures, i suggest as it will be a strong lobbyist.

^^just another forum?

invite prominent figures, i suggest as it will be a strong lobbyist.Thanks for the suggestion @osh...so Im inviting you :)

You're right tho...no need to have just another forum. TRANSIT has the forum to get ideas and feedback...but are also strongly lobbying political parties and state government, local government, etc.

TRANSIT has already accomplished the following:


Presentation on public transport issues at Pasar Seni LRT station
Commentary on the 2009 Budget
Presentation as panelist in the Special Discussion on Urban Public Transport at the National Summit on Urban Public Transport
Commentary on various public transport issues in the country
A group member sitting on the Public Transport Subcommittee in the National Economic Council
Public transport proposals for the Klang Valley as well as PJ, Subang Jaya, Shah Alam, and working on Klang
Presenting 2 papers at the Asia Business Forum's Forum on Public Transpor Issues

TRANSIT group members include bus, LRT, KTM, bicycle users and pedestrians
TRANSIT includes members from Beat-KL, Bus User's Group, FOMCA, CUEPACs, and wakil rakyat


This has all been accomplished in less than 2 months! :) :banana: But it is just not enough yet...There are both a facebook group and a yahoo discussion forum and TRANSIT needs your support and commentary :)


Cheers, m

thanks for the invitation :okay:. but i'm not an expert nor 'prominent figure'.

honestly NGOs can be a lobbyist themselves even without those politicians if they consistant with their work. and most importantly, you have to 'show' it off. let people know that you are working.

me myself already a member for Heritage of Malaysia Trust (Badan Warisan Malaysia). so, it is fun doing some activities as an NGOs, isn't it? ;)

btw, this BWM's chairman is Tan Sri Ahmad Sarji, former Chief Secretary.

http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v5/newsfeatures.php?id=366401

Features
October 22, 2008 10:49 AM

Time For Some Dignity In Malaysia's Public Transport

By Melati Mohd Ariff

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 22 (Bernama) - Over the years, complaints on the shoddy services offered in the countrys public transport sector have continued to snowball and reached colossal proportions.

This had forced Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to take to the ground to witness and experience for himself the daily mayhem and disorder faced by commuters in the city.

At the end of the Prime Ministers day trip, he arrived at the conclusion that a more efficient, reliable and integrated public transportation, which provides seamless travel and greater frequency of services, is required.

In the Klang Valley alone, an average of 400,000 people use the bus services daily while another 350,000 go up RapidKLs trains. Overall, RapidKL provides 44 per cent of the public transport services in the Klang Valley.

These were some of the statistics in the 2009 Budget speech, delivered by Abdullah in the Dewan Rakyat last Aug 29.

To further improve public transport's efficiency, the government has pledged a sum of RM35 billion to be utilised for the period 2009-2014.


Improvement plans include enhancing the capacity of existing rail services, building new tracks and increasing the number of buses.

Regular public transport users including those in the Klang Valley now harbour high hopes that the endless woes they are facing daily would be things of the past.

ATTITUDE CHANGE

Amidst the government's multi-billion Ringgit plans, the wrong notion that public transportation is for only the low-income group should be corrected.

"We limit ourselves by assuming that public transport is for the poor people which is really not the case. One of its functions is to provide mobility service for the public and it is not just for people who cannot afford private transport but also for people who have the option of not using private transport," said Moaz Yusof Ahmad, a public transport activist.

He is the adviser of 'Transit', the Association for the Improvement of Mass Transit-Klang Valley), a newly established public transport activist group.

Moaz said there were two other functions of public transport which were equally important, namely development and business.

A good system of public transport, he said, would encourage the kind of development which was good for the city and its people.

"It would create urban centres that are people-friendly, pedestrian-friendly, the city becomes more livable because people can walk and spend money. They do not have to drive, park or go through traffic jams.

"This community will also save money as the government can save money on roads and transportation and so can the people. We do not have this community in the Klang Valley except in a few of the older areas. Most of our newer communities are designed around cars," he said.

With available infrastructure, profitable businesses can also be generated around public transport stations. Where services are prominent, business operators can also expect increase in profit and property owners can command higher rentals.

"You have the opportunity to advertise and sell land around public transport stations, which in itself can be a profitable enterprise," said Moaz who is an economics lecturer in a Subang Jaya private college.

PLANNING

Moaz argued that issuing more bus or taxi permits and providing more train lines or coaches would not solve public transport woes without proper planning or organisation that would severely impact reliability.

"If we do not include public transport in initial planning to fulfill the transport needs of the community, we are going to see serious problems in the future," he stressed.


According to Moaz, the main shortcoming in public transportation is the complete lack of wholesome or holistic investment.

"We built the LRT line and say the problem is solved and now we can move people. The point is when they get out of the LRT, there is another set of problems the commuters have to deal with. This is what you call the first mile and the last mile connectivity.

"The existing number of feeder buses are inadequate or unreliable and if we do not make the whole service reliable from the first mile to the last mile, then we are not going to get the people to use public transport no matter how many LRTs are built," said Moaz.

SPEND LESS FOR MORE

In terms of costs against the benefits, Transit considers that the LRT is actually one of the least effective choices of public transport.

Citing the Kelana Jaya LRT line, Moaz said currently it was running with double-coach trains and moving about 9,000 passengers in one direction each hour.

"The Kelana Jaya LRT will move approximately 20,000 passengers per hour when they operate the four-coach trains at the end of 2009.

"If we need to move 9,000 or 20,000 people, actually we should be building monorails as it costs less and can move the same number of people," said Moaz.

He also believed that extension of the Kelana Jaya line should continue right to the Shah Alam Stadium as there is ample undeveloped land to the west of the New Klang Valley Expressway (NKVE).

"If we go to the Shah Alam Stadium, we have access not only to Ara Damansara but also Subang, Kampung Melayu Subang and the rest.

"The stadium area is a very large spot, very open and we can have room for a depot, parking, and express bus lanes.

He said the stadium is located near two highways -- the Federal Highway and NKVE, therefore it is viable for a reliable bus system that could move people from Shah Alam to other areas including Subang Jaya, Kota Kemuning, Klang and even Kuala Lumpur.

Transit also suggests plan to extend the LRT from Seri Petaling to Petaling Jaya South and through Petaling Jaya, all the way to Kepong and back to Sentul.

"The Klang Valley Transport Study identifies Petaling Jaya line traveling from PJ South to Taman Tun Dr Ismail. This line can be integrated within our proposed extension to Petaling Jaya. When completed there would be a KL-PJ loop line that could move 60,000 passengers per hour. This would remove thousands of car from the MRRII daily," said Moaz.

Transit has also identified a solution for Puchong and western Petaling Jaya.

"Jalan Klang Lama and Jalan Puchong are large roads which move thousands of cars per day. If we expand the KL Monorail to four or six-carriage trains and extend it to MidValley, and then along Jalan Klang Lama and Jalan Puchong, we can move 40,000 passengers per hour. MidValley will benefit and we would reduce traffic on Jalan Puchong.

He said in the long term, Transit's approach would build more economic growth for the Klang Valley and Malaysia.


PROVIDE MORE FOR BUSES

The bus service is another area which Transit has great interest in.

According to Muhammad Zulkarnain Hamzah, Transit's spokesperson, buses are very much affected by the traffic congestion.

He said highways and expressways could be used as alternative routes for buses.

As an illustration, he said, 30 buses were more than capable to relieve the maximum amount of free flow traffic that the 1.2 billion Ringgit Akleh( Ampang-KL Elevated Highway) can sustain at any one time.

He also proposed that expressways be used as 'Expressway Rapid Transit' (ERT) tracks with ERT buses functioning as 'trains'.

Muhammad Zulkarnain said bus 'stations' could be built on top of these 'tracks' at identified strategic transit points with high suburban population.

"Bus terminals for suburban feeder bus services together with depots and car parks can be built inside the suburban area and next to the ERT points so that transit time can be cut short," he explained.

Accordingly, three strategic Kuala Lumpur gateway points for ERT buses can be created at KL Sentral/Mid Valley, Imbi (near the Pandan Roundabout) and Sentul Timur with dedicated bus ramps to Jalan Travers for direct access to NKVE and NPE, KL-Putrajaya and Duke Expressway respectively.

The gateway points should be conveniently linked to Ampang and Kelana Jaya LRT Lines besides KL Monorail while the Dang Wangi LRT Station could be the main gateway point that caters to ERT buses from Ampang via Akleh, he said.

"This is because it sits strategically at the west end point of Akleh. To fill up the demand during rush hours, express bus operators should be allowed to bid for periodical contract to serve ERT buses in which they will be paid based on a set of criteria set up by the transport authority," Muhammad Zulkarnain explained.

He said all buses and bus stops as well as mass-transit terminals should be designed based on the universal accessibility principle that would speed up bus service and encourage people to use them.

POLITICAL WILL

To fix the public transport system, it needs a strong political will. It also requires intervention from higher ups as voiced out by both Moaz and Muhammad Zulkarnain.

They proposed the setting up of a Parliamentary Select Committee on Public Transport led by members of Parliaments from both sides of the divide.


"The infrastructure is already there. It is just getting everybody to cooperate for the sake of facing this problem and not thinking of their particular vested interest," said Moaz.

He also stressed that a proper public transport system that provides a level of standard should also be available across the nation and not just only for the Klang Valley.

"If we stick to what we are doing, we are going to stagnate. Jakarta, Bangkok and Singapore have invested in their public transport networks. Jakarta has an exemplary Bus Rapid Transit System. They built seven lines in four years and three more are under construction.

"Bangkok has expanded their Metro and Skytrain and they are building Bus Rapid Transit and Airport Express line. Singapore is building three MRT lines and three more are being planned.

"There is a lot of work ahead but it can be done if we just change our attitude, our perception in public transport," said Moaz.

-- BERNAMA

We provide (subscription-based)
news coverage in our Newswire service.



Rencana
22 Oktober, 2008 11:08 AM

Tukar Imej Pengangkutan Awam

Oleh Melati Mohd Ariff

KUALA LUMPUR, 22 Okt (Bernama) -- Padat dan bersesak-sesak di dalam bas dan tren atau terkandas kerana kerosakan atau tren tiba lewat adalah rungutan yang lazim didengar mengenai pengangkutan awam kita.

Ini mendorong Perdana Menteri Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi `turun padang' untuk merasai sendiri keperitan yang dialami pengguna pengangkutan awam apabila beliau menaiki tren komuter dan LRT.

Beliau membuat kesimpulan orang ramai memerlukan sistem pengangkutan awam yang lebih cekap, boleh diharap dan bersepadu yang memberikan perkhidmatan lebih lancar.

Di Lembah Klang, secara purata terdapat 400,000 pengguna perkhidmatan bas setiap hari sementara 350,000 lagi menggunakan tren RapidKL. Secara keseluruhannya RapidKL menyediakan 44 peratus daripada perkhidmatan awam Lembah Klang.

Ini antara statistik yang terkandung dalam Ucapan Belanjawan 2009 Perdana Menteri pada 29 Ogos lepas. Bagi memperbaiki kecekapan pengangkutan awam, kerajaan memperuntuk RM35 bilion untuk tempoh 2009-2014.

Antara rancangan pembaikan ialah meningkatkan kapasiti perkhidmatan rel sedia ada, membina laluan rel baru dan menambah bilangan bas.

Sudah tentu pengguna termasuk penduduk di Lembah Klang kini menaruh harapan menggunung masalah yang bagai tiada penghujung yang dihadapi mereka setiap hari akan berakhir dengan usaha yang diambil.

UBAH SIKAP

Tanggapan umum yang masih mengaitkan pengangkutan awam hanya memenuhi keperluan golongan berpendapatan rendah, turut perlu diperbetulkan.

"Tidak tepat untuk mengaitkan pengangkutan awam dengan orang miskin sahaja. Salah satu fungsi pengangkutan awam ialah membolehkan orang bergerak dari satu tempat ke satu tempat yang lain. Ia juga untuk keperluan mereka yang mempunyai pilihan untuk tidak menggunakan kenderaan persendirian," ujar Moaz Yusof Ahmad, aktivis pengangkutan awam.

Beliau merupakan penasihat 'Transit' (Persatuan untuk Pembaikan Transit Massa-Lembah Klang), kumpulan aktivis pengangkutan awam yang baru ditubuhkan.

Moaz berkata orang lupa bahawa pengangkutan awam turut berfungsi untuk pembangunan dan perniagaan.

Sistem pengangkutan awam yang baik dapat merangsang pembangunan yang baik untuk pertumbuhan sesebuah bandar raya serta penghuninya, katanya.

"Ia dapat mewujudkan pusat bandar yang mesra penduduk, pejalan kaki dan bandar itu sendiri menjadi lebih mesra untuk didiami. Kita boleh ke mana-mana dengan hanya berjalan kaki tanpa perlu memandu. Komuniti ini boleh berjimat, sama juga dengan kerajaan yang boleh menjimatkan perbelanjaan daripada perlu membina jalan raya dan menyediakan kemudahan pengangkutan.

"Belum ada lagi komuniti ini di Lembah Klang kecuali beberapa kawasan penempatan lama. Kebanyakan komuniti baru direka bentuk dengan mengambil kira kemudahan berkereta," katanya.

Dengan prasarana yang sedia ada, perniagaan yang menguntungkan juga boleh dijana di sekeliling stesen pengangkutan awam.

"Pengusaha perniagaan dapat menjangkakan peningkatan keuntungan sementara pemilik hartanah boleh mendapat kadar sewaan yang lebih tinggi," kata Moaz yang juga pensyarah ekonomi sebuah kolej swasta di Subang Jaya.

ISU PERANCANGAN

Moaz berpendapat memberi lebih banyak permit teksi atau bas atau menambah lebih banyak laluan atau gerabak tren bukan penyelesaian kepada segala masalah pengangkutan awam.

Perkara pokok, katanya, ialah perancangan yang rapi serta organisasi yang dapat menghasilkan perkhidmatan awam yang cekap.

"Jika kita tidak menyertakan pengangkutan awam dalam perancangan awam untuk memenuhi kehendak komuniti, kita akan berhadapan dengan masalah serius kemudiannya," beliau menekankan.

Moaz berkata kepincangan utama dalam pengangkutan awam negara ini ialah pelaburan yang tidak menyeluruh atau holistik.

"Kita bina laluan LRT dan kita ingat masalah selesai, dan sekarang lebih ramai boleh menggunakan LRT. Hakikatnya bila keluar dari tren LRT, mereka ini berhadapan dengan masalah lain. Ini yang kita istilahkan sebagai penghubung perbatuan pertama dan terakhir.

"Bas pengantara yang disediakan tidak mencukupi dan tidak cekap. Sekiranya kita tidak dapat memastikan keseluruhan perkhidmatan cekap daripada perbatuan pertama hingga ke akhir, kita tidak dapat menarik lebih ramai orang menggunakan pengangkutan awam walau banyak mana sekalipun LRT kita bina," kata Moaz.

BERBELANJA KURANG UNTUK LEBIH MANFAAT

Dari segi kos dan faedah, Transit berpendapat LRT adalah antara pilihan pengangkutan awam yang kurang berkesan.

Mengambil contoh aliran LRT Kelana Jaya, Moaz berkata pada masa ini perkhidmatan itu beroperasi dengan tren dua gerabak, menggerakkan kira-kira 9,000 penumpang sehala sejam.

"LRT Kelana Jaya dijangka menggerakkan sekitar 20,000 penumpang sejam apabila ia mempunyai tren empat gerabak penghujung 2009. Tetapi kos prasarana LRT agak tinggi. Sekiranya kita perlu menggerakkan 9,000 atau 20,000 orang, sepatutnya kita menimbangkan monorel kerana kos pembinaannya lebih rendah dan boleh menggerakkan bilangan penumpang yang sama," kata Moaz.

Beliau juga berpendapat Aliran Kelana Jaya perlu disambung hingga ke stadium Shah Alam memandangkan terdapat banyak tanah ke barat Lebuhraya Baru Lembah Klang (NKVE) belum lagi dimajukan.

"Sekiranya ini dilaksanakan, kita ada akses bukan sahaja ke komuniti Ara Damansara tetapi juga Subang, Kampung Melayu Subang, Shah Alam dan sebagainya. Kawasan stadium adalah luas, membolehkan kita mempunyai depot dan kemudahan letak kereta.

"Kita juga boleh membina lorong bas ekspres atau sistem Bas-Rapid Transit (BRT) untuk memberi khidmat kepada kawasan pinggir kota di mana pembinaan LRT tidak kos-efektif," katanya.

"Stadium Shah Alam juga terletak berhampiran Lebuhraya Persekutuan dan NKVE. Oleh yang demikian, kita boleh mengadakan sistem bas yang cekap yang dapat menggerakkan orang dari stadium Shah Alam ke kawasan lain termasuk Shah Alam, Subang Jaya, Kota Kemuning, Klang malahan hingga ke KL," cadang beliau.

Transit juga menyokong rancangan LRT disambung dari Seri Petaling ke Petaling Jaya Selatan menerusi Petaling Jaya, sehingga ke Kepong dan balik semua ke Sentul.

"Kajian Pengangkutan Lembah Klang mengenal pasti aliran Petaling Jaya bergerak dari PJ Selatan ke Taman Tun Dr. Ismail. Aliran ini boleh diintegrasikan dengan sambungan yang kami cadangkan ke Petaling Jaya. Apabila siap, kita akan ada aliran lengkap KL-PJ yang boleh menggerakkan 60,000 penumpang sejam. Ini akan mengurangkan beribu-ribu kereta daripada menggunakan MRRII setiap hari," kata Moaz.

Transit juga mengenalpasti penyelesaian untuk Puchong dan kawasan barat Petaling Jaya.

"Jalan Klang Lama dan Jalan Puchong adalah jalan besar yang digunakan beribu-ribu kereta sehari. Jika kita luaskan KL Monorail kepada tren dengan empat atau enam gerabak dan sambungkan hingga ke MidValley, dan kemudian sepanjang Jalan Klang Lama dan Jalan Puchong, kita boleh menggerakkan 40,000 penumpang sejam. Kawasan MidValley akan mendapat manfaat dan boleh mengurangkan kesesakan trafik di Jalan Puchong.

"Dalam masa jangka panjang, pendekatan kami dapat merangsang pertumbuhan ekonomi untuk Lembah Klang dan Malaysia," hujah Moaz.

MENYEDIAKAN LEBIH BANYAK BAS

Perkhidmatan bas adalah satu lagi bidang pengangkutan awam yang menjadi perhatian Transit.

Menurut Muhammad Zulkarnain Hamzah, jurucakap Transit, perkhidmatan bas amat terjejas akibat kesesakan trafik.

Sebagai penyelesaian, beliau berkata lebuh raya boleh digunakan sebagai laluan alternatif untuk bas.

Sebagai ilustrasi, beliau berkata 30 bas adalah lebih daripada mencukupi untuk menggantikan maksimum trafik pada satu-satu masa, yang menggunakan Lebuhraya Bertingkat Ampang-KL (Akleh) yang dibina dengan kos RM1.2 bilion.

Beliau juga mencadangkan lebuh raya digunakan sebagai trek 'Expressway Rapid Transit' (ERT) dengan bas ERT sebagai 'tren'.

Muhammad Zulkarnain mencadangkan 'stesen' bas boleh dibina di atas 'trek' ini di lokasi transit yang strategik dengan jumlah penduduk pinggir kota yang tinggi.

"Terminal bas untuk khidmat bas pengantara pinggir kota serta depot dan tempat letak kereta boleh dibina di kawasan pinggir kota, berhampiran lokasi ERT supaya masa transit dapat disingkatkan," jelasnya.

Sehubungan itu tiga lokasi pintu masuk ke Kuala Lumpur untuk bas ERT boleh diwujudkan di KL Sentral/Mid Valley, Imbi (berhampiran Bulatan Pandan) dan Sentul Timur dengan laluan bas khusus ke Jalan Travers untuk akses langsung ke NKVE dan NPE, KL-Putrajaya, dan DUKE Expressway, katanya.

Lokasi pintu masuk ini mempunyai hubungan mudah ke LRT Ampang/Sri Petaling LRT, LRT Kelana Jaya dan aliran KL Monorail sementara Stesen LRT Dang Wangi boleh dijadikan sebagai lokasi pintu masuk utama untuk menampung bas ERT dari Ampang menerusi Akleh.

"Ini memandangkan kedudukannya yang strategik di bahagian barat Akleh. Bagi menampung keperluan pada waktu puncak, pengendali bas ekspres yang memiliki bas dua tingkat yang boleh menampung bilangan penumpang yang ramai perlu dibenarkan untuk membuat tawaran kontrak berkala menjalankan khidmat bas ERT," kata Muhammad Zulkarnain.

Beliau berkata semua bas dan perhentian bas serta pengangkutan utama perlu direkabentuk menurut prinsip 'universal accessibility' yang dapat mempercepat khidmat bas dan menggalakkan orang ramai menggunakan perkhidmatan itu.

PERLU KESUNGGUHAN JITU

Moaz dan Muhammad Zulkarnain sependapat bahawa penyelesaian kepada kemelut pengangkutan awam memerlukan campur tangan daripada pihak tertinggi kerajaan.

Mereka turut mencadangkan penubuhan Jawatankuasa Pemilihan Parlimen mengenai Pengangkutan Awam yang dianggotai wakil rakyat parti pemerintah dan pembangkang.

"Prasarananya sudah ada. Apa yang diperlukan ialah untuk semua pihak bekerjasama meleraikan kekusutan ini dan bukan hanya untuk memenuhi kepentingan peribadi," kata Moaz.

Beliau turut menegaskan supaya sistem pengangkutan awam yang standard turut diguna pakai di seluruh negara dan bukan hanya untuk Lembah Klang.

"Jika kita terus dengan apa yang kita lakukan sekarang, kemajuan dan pertumbuhan ekonomi tidak berkembang. Jakarta, Bangkok dan Singapura membuat banyak pelaburan dalam rangkaian pengangkutan awam masing-masing. Jakarta mempunyai sistem Bus Rapid Transit yang patut dicontohi. Mereka membina tujuh Aliran dalam tempoh empat tahun dan tiga lagi sedang dalam pembinaan.

"Bangkok sudah mengembangkan tren Metro dan Skytrain dan mereka sedang membina Bus Rapid Transit serta Aliran Ekspres Lapangan Terbang. Singapura sedang membina tiga Aliran MRT dan tiga lagi sedang dirancang.

"Memang banyak kerja yang perlu dilakukan tetapi ia boleh dibuat sekiranya kita menukar sikap dan persepsi kita tentang pengangkutan awam," kata Moaz.

-- BERNAMA

yeah..:banana:

now, our Mr Moaz is a public icon..! :D

KTM has to be improved, slow+not punctual+annoucement voice too low/totally cannot hear. Putra LRT are so short only 2 cabins and at peak hour too many ppl at Wangsa Maju/KLCC station, imagine sometimes have to wait for 5-6 rounds only can go in the LRT. Putra LRT more technical problem, sometimes when problem happen can hear some ppl say 'LRT rosak lagi?' means 'LRT spoilt again?'. Only 1 ticket selling counter at Putra LRT, some stations ppl have to queue long just to buy ticket. Masjid Jamek escalator until now still cannot use, renovate escalator takes more than 1 year haven't finish. Ppl have to walk along the long tunnel and cross road to take Star LRT. Other than that, Star LRT and monorail still ok although monorail platform don't have air-cond. KLIA express among the best. Overall, KL public transportation still ok but some improvements need to be taken.
1) subway coverage not wide enough 2) some interchange stations has to walk far 3) some buses need to wait long to arrive

The good subway system in South East Asia are Bangkok and Singapore. East Asia (CHI,JAP,KOR,TW,HK) subway are excellent.

Anyone here in the forum ever stood in the long lines to buy tickets only to find out that the machines do not accpet notes? This is the weekly scene at the KLCC station. One or several machines will be totally rosak and the others don't take notes or coins. You see lines of frustrated people moving from one line to another.

RapidKL just made the problem worse when they updated the machines to accept new notes. That's great but WHY can't they hire more workers to monitor and clear the machines so that the passengers are not affected?

The workers at the ticket booth are totaly useless and clueless! When the machines breakdown, they don't even realize that the machines are down and they don't care. Unbelievable! They just tell me it's not their problem. They will just say wait for the technicians. They are so blind that they don't even bother to step out of their booths to find out why the lines are so damn long every single weekend.

I suggest that they put a sign informing users to prepare enough coins, buy touch n go or stored value card. They used to help people change notes to coins but not anymore. It's high time they invest in the latest TVMs that accept multiple modes of payment.

The attitude of the RapidKL staff are just appalling and I hope Moaz can highlight this ongoing problem in the transportation meetings and find solutions soon.

How difficult is it to monitor and clear the machines before they are full?

Anyone here in the forum ever stood in the long lines to buy tickets only to find out that the machines do not accpet notes? This is the weekly scene at the KLCC station. One or several machines will be totally rosak and the others don't take notes or coins. You see lines of frustrated people moving from one line to another.

RapidKL just made the problem worse when they updated the machines to accept new notes. That's great but WHY can't they hire more workers to monitor and clear the machines so that the passengers are not affected?

The workers at the ticket booth are totaly useless and clueless! When the machines breakdown, they don't even realize that the machines are down and they don't care. Unbelievable! They just tell me it's not their problem. They will just say wait for the technicians. They are so blind that they don't even bother to step out of their booths to find out why the lines are so damn long every single weekend.

I suggest that they put a sign informing users to prepare enough coins, buy touch n go or stored value card. They used to help people change notes to coins but not anymore. It's high time they invest in the latest TVMs that accept multiple modes of payment.

The attitude of the RapidKL staff are just appalling and I hope Moaz can highlight this ongoing problem in the transportation meetings and find solutions soon.

How difficult is it to monitor and clear the machines before they are full?

Been in ur shoes and even wrote to RapidKL about it.They replied that theyll do something about it but it seems they never learn.

Anyone here in the forum ever stood in the long lines to buy tickets only to find out that the machines do not accpet notes? This is the weekly scene at the KLCC station. One or several machines will be totally rosak and the others don't take notes or coins. You see lines of frustrated people moving from one line to another.

RapidKL just made the problem worse when they updated the machines to accept new notes. That's great but WHY can't they hire more workers to monitor and clear the machines so that the passengers are not affected?

The workers at the ticket booth are totaly useless and clueless! When the machines breakdown, they don't even realize that the machines are down and they don't care. Unbelievable! They just tell me it's not their problem. They will just say wait for the technicians. They are so blind that they don't even bother to step out of their booths to find out why the lines are so damn long every single weekend.

I suggest that they put a sign informing users to prepare enough coins, buy touch n go or stored value card. They used to help people change notes to coins but not anymore. It's high time they invest in the latest TVMs that accept multiple modes of payment.

The attitude of the RapidKL staff are just appalling and I hope Moaz can highlight this ongoing problem in the transportation meetings and find solutions soon.

How difficult is it to monitor and clear the machines before they are full?

That's why i mention earlier that East Asia (CHI,JAP,KOR,TW,HK) subway system are an ideal model (refer to my previous post). Imagine renovate escalator at Masjid Jamek LRT station takes more than 1 year haven't finish. The result, those ppl who want to take Star LRT interchange to Sri Petaling/Ampang line have to walk the long tunnel and cross the road, making them like stupid ppl. Overall, KL transportation rating still ok which falls on slightly below average level, based on 'excellent->good->still ok->poor'.

Zul from TRANSIT was interviewed on a segment of u-wartawan on Astro Awani last week.

You can see the 3 videos here at this link:

http://u-wartawan.blogspot.com/2009/04/kualiti-pengangkutan-awam.html

Cheers, m

I think those two panels were talking shit..

And please don't start me with the host. He should learn from Oprah on how to conduct an interview. He talked too much :ohno:

I think those two panels were talking shit..

And please don't start me with the host. He should learn from Oprah on how to conduct an interview. He talked too much :ohno:

agree....:banana:

i wish i could slap that moderator's face. he cut panel's sentence. i couldn't hear when will be the arrival time for new 4-car train for KJL because the moderator simply interupt while Rapid KL man was talking.:bash:

I think those two panels were talking shit..

And please don't start me with the host. He should learn from Oprah on how to conduct an interview. He talked too much :ohno:c'mon, "talking shit" is not really constructive criticism :lol:

Cheers, m

so, Mr Moaz i hope you can work for that LPKP to be put under Transport Ministry. (if you have that 'power' lah :D)

seriously, too much annoying 'bumiputera' rubbish since it is under MeDC. and now the MeDC is gone, hope some of the issues regarding on our taxies and buses will be solved.

so, Mr Moaz i hope you can work for that LPKP to be put under Transport Ministry. (if you have that 'power' lah :D)

seriously, too much annoying 'bumiputera' rubbish since it is under MeDC. and now the MeDC is gone, hope some of the issues regarding on our taxies and buses will be solved.hahahha well we have something going....looking to set up a petition and create more public awareness.

We are proposing that SPAD (the National Land Transport Commission) should be a separate and independent commission working with the transport ministry - just like the Securities Commission is part of but semi-independent from the Finance Ministry.

We also believe that Johor Baru MP Datuk Shahrir Samad would be an ideal candidate to shepherd the creation of SPAD over the next 2 years.

As for the CVLB/LPKP it should be broken down its functions absorbed by SPAD and the Ministry of Tranpsort.

Cheers, m

hahahha well we have something going....looking to set up a petition and create more public awareness.

We are proposing that SPAD (the National Land Transport Commission) should be a separate and independent commission working with the transport ministry - just like the Securities Commission is part of but semi-independent from the Finance Ministry.

We also believe that Johor Baru MP Datuk Shahrir Samad would be an ideal candidate to shepherd the creation of SPAD over the next 2 years.

As for the CVLB/LPKP it should be broken down its functions absorbed by SPAD and the Ministry of Tranpsort.

Cheers, m

Functions, Agencies Under MECD Absorbed Into Eight Ministries, Says Najib

KUALA LUMPUR, April 15 (Bernama) -- Functions and agencies under the abolished Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development Ministry will be absorbed into eight ministries, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said today.

He said the move was to ensure the main roles and functions played by the scrapped ministry were continually given attention by the government, particularly efforts to create a Bumiputera Commercial and Industrial Community.

Also, to expand and expedite Bumiputeras' involvement in the country's mainstream economic development, develop new growth areas and strengthen the cooperative movement, he said in a statement.

Under the changes made, Najib said the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry has been tasked with the responsibility of franchise development and promotion and vendor development programme.

Cooperative development, Cooperatives Commission of Malaysia and Cooperative College of Malaysia have also been placed under the ministry's jurisdiction, he said.

The prime minister said the task of developing Bumiputera Commercial and Industrial Community, National Entrepreneurship Institute and SME Bank are now under the International Trade and Industry Ministry.

The Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board now comes under the purview of the Prime Minister's Department while the Contractor Service Centre has been shifted to the Works Ministry, he said.

Najib said State Development Corporations, Urban Development Corporation, Perbadanan Nasional Bhd (PERNAS) and Bank Rakyat have been transferred to the Finance Ministry.

He said the Rural and Regional Development Ministry is now in charge of MARA while Tabung Ekonomi Kumpulan Usahawan Niaga (TEKIN) has been moved to the Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Ministry.

Universiti Kuala Lumpur and Malaysia-Japan University are now under the Higher Education Ministry, he added.

-- BERNAMA

-------------------------------------

it's under Prime Minister Department.....

Functions, Agencies Under MECD Absorbed Into Eight Ministries, Says Najib

The Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board now comes under the purview of the Prime Minister's Department while the Contractor Service Centre has been shifted to the Works Ministry, he said.

-- BERNAMA

-------------------------------------

it's under Prime Minister Department.....yeah, and in the same speech he mentioned that they were going to put SPAD under the Prime Minister's Department instead of the Ministry of Transport.
"Similarly, we decided to put the CVLB under the PM’s Department because we are going to set up a National Land Transport Authority which will have representation from various ministries,” he said, adding that the Government was in the process of finalising the legislation for its establishment which he expected to be completed by the year-end.

The National Land Transport Authority would also be placed under the PM’s Department, said Najib.

Certain quarters, including small-time businessmen and taxi drivers, had questioned Najib’s decision to dissolve the ministry, adding that it was still needed, and urged him to reconsider.

It had been widely speculated that the CVLB would come under the Transport Ministry......

taken from here (http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/4/16/nation/3706101&sec=nation)Which means that he read my old reports to the Finance Ministry and agreed with it :banana: :cheers:

Having SPAD under the PMs department is a good step forward - at least the changes will be made ... but the concern is that the contracts and decision making would be too close to him.

Cheers, m

then you should feel proud of your effort for making KL a better place to life. Thanks :okay:

anyway, doesn't matter either he will or will not making so much controversial decision, as long as everything is in place.

then you should feel proud of your effort for making KL a better place to life. Thanks :okay:

anyway, doesn't matter either he will or will not making so much controversial decision, as long as everything is in place.Thanks Osh. There are a lot of people working on this and there is a looooong way to go.

Give TRANSIT your support - visit our website, give comments and feedback, make complaints, etc.

Cheers, m

I think the LRT operators especially Ampang line should upgrade their "mesin beli tiket"or ticket vending machine.asyik guna coin nak beli tiket kat vending machine kat lrt ampang-sri petaling line tuh.wang kertas tak leh guna pulak tuh.kadang-kadang rosak.:bash::bash:

I think the LRT operators especially Ampang line should upgrade their "mesin beli tiket"or ticket vending machine.asyik guna coin nak beli tiket kat vending machine kat lrt ampang-sri petaling line tuh.wang kertas tak leh guna pulak tuh.kadang-kadang rosak.:bash::bash:

yup.... i notice too about TVM at APL. anyone know how to use the TVM? i think most people just buy ticket at the counter.

but how about start to use touch n go. it's easy to use. no need to queue to buy ticket, no need to spare change/coin for ticket.... just tap on the reader, n walk through the turnstiles. it's good if the operator/gov can give incentive to touch n go user such as discount for ticket like they did in singapore for ezlink. journey by using ezlink is much cheaper compared to normal ticket.

yup.... i notice too about TVM at APL. anyone know how to use the TVM? i think most people just buy ticket at the counter.

but how about start to use touch n go. it's easy to use. no need to queue to buy ticket, no need to spare change/coin for ticket.... just tap on the reader, n walk through the turnstiles. it's good if the operator/gov can give incentive to touch n go user such as discount for ticket like they did in singapore for ezlink. journey by using ezlink is much cheaper compared to normal ticket.I have TNG card maa.:D

30 days for CVLB to deliver (http://www.mmail.com.my/content/30-days-cvlb-deliver)

Nazri takes up task of revamping transport system

Darshini Kandasamy
Wednesday, April 22nd, 2009 11:26:00

THE controversial coupon taxi system will be reviewed. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Nazri Abdul Aziz, who has been given the unenviable task of revamping the chronically ill commercial transport system, has already met with officials from the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (CVLB) to discuss ways to do it.

He has also promised a bottomup review of the entire taxi system and has given CVLB 30 days to come up with solutions to the problem of errant taxi drivers.
Also in Nazri’s to-do list is how to prevent express bus accidents from recurring.

The seriousness of the problem was underscored by a series of exposes carried out by Malay Mail in recent weeks into the weaknesses and abuses in the coupon taxi system and the express bus tragedy on April 13 near the Rawang toll plaza that claimed the lives of six people.

The probes uncovered a litany of abuses, from dearer-than-standard fares to different fares to the same destination – charged by the same company!

The revelations triggered a firestorm of public outcry. Many criticised the CVLB for being totally ineffective. Some had even called for the coupon system to be disbanded and the board to be overhauled. Speaking to Malay Mail yesterday, Nazri said he met with CVLB officials from Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak on Monday.

One of the issues raised at the meeting was the coupon taxi system. Malay Mail also asked Nazri why CVLB had seemed reluctant to share with the paper a list of all the CVLB-approved coupon rates for all the zones. “Let me have a look at it (the coupon taxi system) first.

I have asked Datuk Markiman (Kobiran, CVLB’s chairman) to prepare a full report on the matter. I need to review the report first before I can decide whether the rates can be published or not,” said Nazri, who is also Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department in charge of Law and Parliament affairs.

He added that the entire taxi system would be looked at and that the review would not be confined to just the coupon system.

However, Nazri carefully skirted the question when asked if CVLB would be replaced or revamped in light of mounting public dissatisfaction with the board in recent times, saying that the problem was not an easy one to solve.

Nazri had, on Monday, instructed CVLB to formulate short and long term solutions to two important issues – express bus accidents and errant taxi drivers.

“The reasons behind these accidents and the frequency with which they occur must be looked into, especially since we will soon enter the festive season when many will be travelling.

“I have given CVLB one month to prepare the report and come up with solutions. These two problems must be resolved quickly,” he said.

As to why CVLB was placed under the Prime Minister’s Department instead of the Transport Ministry, as many had initially expected, Nazri said this was to avoid any clashes among various government agencies and ministries.

Nazri said that when it came to hired vehicles, taxis and buses, there were many government agencies involved under various ministries, such as the Road Transport Department and the Transport Ministry.

In some instances, even the Federal Territories Ministry is involved.

“This way is easier. When a directive is issued from the PM’s Department, there is no confusion as to who has to take the lead.

”The formation of the National Land Transport Authority, also under the aegis of the PM’s Department, was another factor, Nazri said, as the functions of CVLB would probably be parked under it.

they should sent all lrt,komuter staff operators to Japan and learn their public transport system.macam nilah boleh improvekan kita punya public system kat KL.

Nak balik kL hari Jumaat sampai kat puduraya with bus express nak naik lrt ke tasik selatan kena beratur panjang kat stesen plaza rakyat.nasib-nasib.:ohno::ohno::lol::lol:

THAT'S ALL,

does he the first PM to inspect KL's problem first hand?

--------------------------------------------------------


Najib Wants Immediate Attention To Ease City Congestion

By Voon Miaw Ping

KUALA LUMPUR, April 25 (Bernama) -- Three weeks after Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak went down to the ground to visit three localities in the heart of the city, the prime minister today sprung another surprise when he had a walkabout at the bustling Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman (Jalan TAR) and Puduraya here.

However, he was not happy with the congestion and the inefficiency of the public facilities during his one-hour inspection, according to Federal Territory Minister Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin.

Najib, who was dressed casually in a brown shirt and beige pants, arrived at Jalan TAR, near Semua House at 3.20pm, accompanied by Raja Nong Chik, his deputy Datuk M. Saravanan and Kuala Lumpur city mayor Datuk Ahmad Fuad Ismail.

At Jalan TAR, which is famed for its textiles and jewellery shops, Najib was briefed by Ahmad Fuad on a proposed multi-storey carpark to be located near Semua House, and other upgrading plans for the areas.

He then spent about 30 minutes walking along the street where he also stopped to chat with the business people and the public there.

Later, he hitched on the crowded LRT (he had to stand) at Masjid Jamek station to the Plaza Rakyat station where he walked to the infamous over-congested Puduraya -- where the express bus terminal for the northern and southern zones is located.

To escape the sweltering heat, Najib then stopped by one of the stalls in the building for a cool drink.

Najib, flanked by a phalanx of bodyguards and an entourage of officials, also attracted a large crowd of onlookers, who wasted no time to snap photographs of the nation's sixth premier.

An excited woman, armed with her camera-phone and squeezing her way through the crowd, was heard saying: "Saya mahu ambil gambar perdana menteri saya" (I want to take pictures of my prime minister).

Later, Najib proceeded to inspect the long-abandoned Plaza Rakyat building project located next to Puduraya before departing at 4.25pm.

Meanwhile, speaking to reporters later, Raja Nong Chik said the prime minister had voiced concern over the lack of facilities and congestion at the places and wanted urgent improvements made.

"He experienced first-hand, by the walkabout and boarding the LRT with the people, what they have to go through daily, like jams and other difficulties, in congested areas.

"He said such problems did not augur well for our country which is seeking to become a developed nation by 2020.

"He has instructed the federal territories ministry and other relevant ministries to ensure the facilities are improved for the benefit of the public," he said.

On the Plaza Rakyat project, Raja Nong Chik said Najib wanted the developer to be given an ultimatum to complete it.

"The prime minister wanted us to give a deadline to the developer to complete the project. If they cannot adhere, we will terminate the contract and look for other means. (didn't we talk the same thing over and over again?)

see comments from TRANSIT: http://transitmy.org/2009/04/25/pm-najib-takes-public-transport-in-kl-photo-op/

Cheers, m

According to this article (http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2009/4/17/central/3710217&sec=central) in the news today, the Selangor government will be visiting the 12 local councils to discuss local issues.

The schedule is as follows:

• Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) – April 26
• Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) – May 3
• Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ) – May 10
• Klang Municipal Council (MPK) – May 17
• Sabak Bernam District Council (MDSB) – May 24
• Kuala Langat District Council (MDKL) – May 31
• Kuala Selangor District Council (MDKS) – June 6
• Hulu Selangor District Council (MDHS) – June 14
• Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj) – June 21
• Sepang District Council (MPSp) – June 28
• Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) – July 5
• Selayang Municipal Council (MPS) – July 12

Please make time to attend the meetings. I have posted a list of talking points for public transport in Selangor to the TRANSIT website. See the entry at http://transitmy.org/2009/04/25/selangor-government-roadshows-at-local-councils/

cheers, m

Azmin Ali speaks on public transport in the Selangor Dewan

http://www.tvselangor.com/video?str=%21a932f54b63607770b94c5ddf683e23%cfcd208495d565ef66e7dff9f98764da%&lp=18



check the 2nd half of the video for the commentary from Azmin Ali.

Cheers, m

Time to revamp KL transport system
By BAVANI M


THE Kuala Lumpur traffic gridlock is costing the city millions of ringgit each day and congestion costs are said to be causing the loss of 2% of Malaysia’s GDP (about RM10bil) every year. Obviously, something concrete must be done to resolve this perennial problem of the city.

So, it is no surprise that the new Federal Territories Minister Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin has declared that the city public transport system needs a review and an overhaul of priorities.

Raja Nong Chik said this in reply to a text message from StarMetro which had asked him to comment on the city public transport system.

Raja Nong Chik had accompanied Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak on an inspection tour of the city recently, when they were exposed to the daily woes of the commuters travelling from one place to another in the city.

It was reported that Najib had voiced his concern over the lack of facilities and the serious congestion woes and had ordered that urgent improvements be made.

Raja Nong Chik, however, declined to talk about his plans for the improvements just yet, but promised that he would study the problem and act on the matter soon.

Having an effective and efficient public transportation system is a major factor in determining a city’s livability standard. Studies have shown that cities in countries with excellent transportation systems are the most liveable ones of the world.

At the International Conference on World Class Sustainable Cities 2009 (WCSC’09) round-table discussion last month, the transportation issue was the hot topic where six international speakers and some local experts debated and explored the strategies and best practices that would help turn Kuala Lumpur into a world-class sustainable city.

Most believed that the government should direct more attention to the existing public transport services as reducing traffic congestion in the city would contribute to improving the economic well-being of the nation and people.

They also agreed that the key area needing improvement is transportation, and if the transportation woes are resolved, other areas will follow through.

It was also pointed out that there are many agencies involved in the management of public transportation in the city and that there is a need for one autonomous centralised authority to operate the system like what Singapore, Vancouver and Berlin are having.

The bottom line is that Kuala Lumpur needs to get a grip on its transport problem now, and only then would its residents enjoy a better quality of life.

To say that the government is not doing anything is not true as there are plans to construct a new 42km Kota Damansara-Cheras LRT line and to extend the Kelana Jaya and Ampang LRT lines. There are also plans to buy more train coaches and stage buses.

But many transport advocates see the whole scenario as overlooking the big picture.

Take the buses, for instance. According to the Association for the Improvement of Mass-Transit in Klang Valley (Transit), the KL bus service is geared towards the peak hours and during the day you can see buses lined up and waiting at the old city areas of KL.

“Areas of congestion in old KL can be found at the bus stop areas in Lebuh Ampang (Medan Tunku), Jalan Tun H.S. Lee and the Kota Raya area where the Metrobuses are treating the area like their parking garage,” Transit adviser Moaz Yusof Ahmad said.

“There is also the Pasar Seni LRT station, the site of the Pasarama Kota, the so-called Klang Bus Stand and the unofficial Seremban bus stand. which block the traffic along the main road,” Moaz said.

These buses wait in the areas for passengers, blocking traffic and polluting the surrounding area with their burning diesel fuel.

According to Moaz, the solution lies in enforcement to keep buses moving, and building a new staging area for urban buses.

He said the DBKL should station officers in the area to monitor the buses, ensuring that each bus should have a maximum 10-minute waiting time before it had to get on the road, whether its passenger load was full or not.

In the long term, a new staging area will have to be built in KL for the urban buses. The best solution is to take advantage of the Puduraya and Plaza Rakyat areas and ensure that there is a hub and staging area for urban buses built there.

All improvement to public transport must consider the needs of the elderly, the young, and the disabled and must be designed to make it easier for people to use public transport. Improved access to public transport means that service can be faster, congestion can be reduced, and people will find it more convenient.

StarMetro is inviting feedback from city folk on ways to solve the traffic problmes in KL. Please send your emails to metro@thestar.com.my. Com-ments can also be sent to the Transit email address at: klangvalley.transit@gmail.com. The Transit website is at http://transitmy.org.


Your comments and suggestions will be forwarded to the FT Minister.

Inventor Liew may have the solution
Wednesday, April 29th, 2009 16:57:00

http://www.mmail.com.my/sites/default/files/imagecache/medium/C.W%20Liew.jpg

FIXABLE: With proper planning, the Puduraya
mayhem can be reduced, says Liew

AN award-winning inventor is going all out to put an end to traffic congestion in the city.

C.W Liew, 57, has dedicated the last two years walking around the city in an attempt to identify the causes of traffic jams.

Armed with a camera, pen, paper and measuring tools, Liew has spent hours on our busy streets.

His sketches, which included graphics coupled with a detailed explanations of his ideas, were sent to City Hall earlier this year.

“I don’t own a car and my observations are based on my own experience travelling by bus.

“I travel to the city centre once a week. Getting stuck in traffic has one advantage. I was able to look at all conditions causing this problem to come up with a solid proposal.

“The proposal should also somewhat reduce air pollution.”

Liew was the recipient of the first National Invention Award in 1992 by the Science, Technology and Environment Ministry for his invention of a motor drive for cameras.

It enables a manual camera to operate like an automatic camera by advancing the film automatically.

“I’m doing this for the people. I was pleased when City Hall informed me that they wanted to hear my views and I was given an opportunity to present my proposals earlier this month,” he said.

KL Mayor Datuk Ahmad Fuad Ismail said Liew’s idea was a noble effort to ease congestion in the city.

“Some of the proposals were logical and I would like to meet him one of these days,” Ahmad Fuad added.

Liew’s proposals:
For Puduraya

● The present four-lane road in front of Puduraya can be widened into six lanes by acquiring an abandoned building located opposite Puduraya (same row with 7-Eleven). The pedestrian bridge should then be extended.
● Buses entering Puduraya from Jalan Pudu take a long time to get into Puduraya causing a traffic snarl for vehicles coming from Bukit Bintang. The retaining wall for buses to enter into Puduraya is too narrow and should be widened.

● There should be fewer stairs at the platform as the narrow platform makes it difficult for bus drivers to manoeuvre their vehicles causing a long queue for buses to enter the station.

● Taxis that are currently hogging the road outside Puduraya should be moved into the Puduraya building.

● A mini carpark in front of Puduraya could be converted into a multi-storey carpark to eliminate indiscriminate parking and congestion. The multi-storey carpark would also act as a sky bridge. The carpark should also be equipped with escalators.

● More multi-storey carparks should be built in an open space (currently a parking area and rest place) opposite the Jalan Silang McDonald’s. People who live in the city can park their vehicles there and then use public transport to get to work.

Pasar Seni

● Opening a road from the Jalan Stadium roundabout to get into the Pasar Seni LRT area would make it easier for buses.

Jalan Tun Razak

● Another lane can be added to the existing flyover heading towards Petaling Jaya. This can be done by taking space from the divider and adding a fifth lane to the present four-lane flyover.

What’s causing the hold up
THE way to ease traffic congestion in the city is simple and affordable: Fully utilise the Puduraya building and its surroundings.

Based on findings of the Malay Mail team, the consequence of overlooking the viability of Puduraya has resulted in:

● Taxis parking in front of Puduraya to attract commuters.

● Express buses lining up as far as 300m along Jalan Pudu. They then drive along a narrow lane to get into Puduraya.

● The Plaza Rakyat development project still under construction since 1992.

● Lack of parking space for office workers.

● City buses take up Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, Jalan Hang Kasturi, Jalan Tun Perak, Jalan Silang, Jalan Tun Tan Siew Sin and Jalan Hang Lekiu as their “mini terminal” causing these areas to be congested.
● Road lanes closed (behind Lin Ho Departmental Store) to traffic to accommodate the “mini terminal”. Probable solutions to these problems

● The taxi bay on the first floor of Puduraya, currently strictly for outstation taxis, be opened up for city taxis.

● Make it feasible for city buses to operate from Puduraya, with all the necessary facilities, thus eliminating disorder.

● Widen the narrow lanes meant for express buses.

Inventor Liew may have the solution
Wednesday, April 29th, 2009 16:57:00

http://www.mmail.com.my/sites/default/files/imagecache/medium/C.W%20Liew.jpg


Liew’s proposals:
For Puduraya

● The present four-lane road in front of Puduraya can be widened into six lanes by acquiring an abandoned building located opposite Puduraya (same row with 7-Eleven). The pedestrian bridge should then be extended.

● Buses entering Puduraya from Jalan Pudu take a long time to get into Puduraya causing a traffic snarl for vehicles coming from Bukit Bintang. The retaining wall for buses to enter into Puduraya is too narrow and should be widened.

● There should be fewer stairs at the platform as the narrow platform makes it difficult for bus drivers to manoeuvre their vehicles causing a long queue for buses to enter the station.

● Taxis that are currently hogging the road outside Puduraya should be moved into the Puduraya building.

● More multi-storey carparks should be built in an open space (currently a parking area and rest place) opposite the Jalan Silang McDonald’s. People who live in the city can park their vehicles there and then use public transport to get to work.


since when there is any 'abandoned building' opposite puduraya? they are all occupied. and if the road widening project may cause those buildings to be demolished, then who going to pay the compensation to the building owners? DBKL?

Puduraya should not be an intercity bus terminal anymore, as Pekeliling, Jalan Duta, Hentian Putra and the u/c Bandar Tasik Selatan terminal will serve express buses. but puduraya must be converted to serve taxis and KL buses (Metrobus/RapidKL). as i suggest only 1 or 2 bus operators to be allowed to enter inner city. that means, Len Seng, Selangor Omnibus and SJ can only serve outer KL.

So, the Jalan Silang will no longer be SJ Bus parking lot!!!

and please, no elevated carpark in Jalan Silang, it will ruin the streetscape and create another eyesore.

Jalan Tun Razak

● Another lane can be added to the existing flyover heading towards Petaling Jaya. This can be done by taking space from the divider and adding a fifth lane to the present four-lane flyover.

which 'divider' is that? the four-lane road is enough. no need to widen the road as it is only jammed on pick hours. other than that the road is pretty smooth....

back to puduraya, i believe if Express buses are no longer allowed to enter city center (as bus terminals in outer rings are fully utilised), and government to introduce taxi service 'by-call' (call to get taxi; taxi will no longer stray around city as singapore system), and only 2 inner city bus operators to be allowed, no more jay parking, everything will be solved..........(at least)

since when there is any 'abandoned building' opposite puduraya? they are all occupied. and if the road widening project may cause those buildings to be demolished, then who going to pay the compensation to the building owners? DBKL?

which 'divider' is that? the four-lane road is enough. no need to widen the road as it is only jammed on pick hours. other than that the road is pretty smooth....

back to puduraya, i believe if Express buses are no longer allowed to enter city center (as bus terminals in outer rings are fully utilised), and government to introduce taxi service 'by-call' (call to get taxi; taxi will no longer stray around city as singapore system), and only 2 inner city bus operators to be allowed, no more jay parking, everything will be solved..........(at least)I believe that Mr. Liew is looking at increasing the number of lanes by narrowing them, rather than widening the roads.

The abandoned property that he is referring to is opposite the elevated walkway from Puduraya.

But overall in the long term, you do have the right idea Osh.

Cheers, m

I believe that Mr. Liew is looking at increasing the number of lanes by narrowing them, rather than widening the roads.

The abandoned property that he is referring to is opposite the elevated walkway from Puduraya.

But overall in the long term, you do have the right idea Osh.

Cheers, m

i don't agree narrowing the road to increase the lane. because motorcyclist will suffer most. as they can't go through when cars are blocking their way.

there are only 2 reasons why Jalan Pudu is having a high congestion. 1st, 1 lane is for the buses queuing up to enter the Puduraya. 2nd, while taxis take the first lane as their waiting lane, passenger's car is taking the 2nd lane as their wait-and-drop lane. so, only 1 lane left for traffic....

how about making the Pudu Road as 1 Way road? as well as Jalan Tun Perak and Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock. as we already have alternative roads for peoples going to the opposite side.

Kuala Lumpur’s Green Ambitions

The lack of a single governing authority to oversee the master planning and project implementation for the capital city is causing the city to lose it
by Khalil Adis


The deficiencies in Kuala Lumpur’s rail system are quite apparent. Although Kuala Lumpur’s mass transit system may appear seamless on its map, the reality is quite a different thing altogether. For this writer, commuting by train to get to the heart of the capital likens to being taken for a ride - literally. Imagine alighting from your coach at Bangsar LRT with heavy luggage in tow, only to realise that there are no lifts or escalators. Instead, one needs to take the stairs and carry the luggage up to the station platform. :ohno::ohno:

That’s not all. To get to Bukit Bintang monorail station, one needs to alight at Dang Wangi LRT station, cross a road and then walk a few metres to take the KL Monorail line at Bukit Nanas station. Upon arrival at Bukit Bintang station, one also needs to manoeuvre through the station’s bridge that takes you up and then down to the other platform before arriving at the station’s exit. If that sounds complicated enough from a visitor’s point of view, imagine what locals have to go through on a daily basis, especially with a child’s pram in tow. Perhaps, it is for these reasons, Malaysians prefer commuting to Kuala Lumpur using their own cars.

At the recent World Class Sustainable Cities 2009 (WCSC 2009) held at the Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel, delegates from around the world shared their experiences and expertise in managing their cities. The forum was meant to assist local authorities in identifying solutions for Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) as well as the mechanisms for implementation. The topic on public transportation, in particular, touched a raw nerve as evidenced by the outpouring of grievances by Malaysians, with them asking the round table panel - “What is the Malaysian government doing to improve the city’s public transportation system?”

Kuala Lumpur’s traffic problems are quite chronic. Around one million cars come into the city centre every morning, creating massive traffic jams and generating high levels of pollution. The new Mayor of Kuala Lumpur, Dato’ Ahmad Fuad Ismail, has revealed his vision to make the city more liveable by making it greener and resolving its traffic woes. He also has plans to improve traffic flow by reducing the number of cars to 500,000. This, he said, will help generate economic development, provide quality urban services and an efficient public transportation system. In addition, he revealed that the Malaysian government via the Ministry of Finance is intervening to improve the city’s public transportation issues.

“We are working closely with Kuala Lumpur City Hall not just by providing expertise but perhaps to a certain extent, share financial resources. We are looking at walkways and any other public transport issues,” says Shahril Mokhtar, a spokersperson for Syarikat Prasarna Negara Berhad (Prasarna). Prasarna is a wholly-owned government company under the Ministry of Finance. It was set up to own the assets of selected public transport companies. This is part of the government’s initiative to restructure the public transport system in the Klang Valley.

However, these answers did little to calm nerves. At the heart of the issue is the lack of political will amongst Malaysian authorities to make Kuala Lumpur work - something Malaysian delegates at the conference and property analysts agree in unison.

“I think the transport issue is a critical one, as the traffic congestion is quite acute at peak hours given the state of the public transport network. Kuala Lumpur needs to implement a better integrated transport system, where the LRT capacity and coverage are extended to more places, and to curb private vehicles to the centre in terms of a realistic pricing policy. The latter has been mooted in the past but there is no political will to implement it,” says Brian Koh, executive director of investment at DTZ Nawawi Tie Leung.

The lack of a single governing authority to oversee the master planning and project implementation for the city is hurting Kuala Lumpur’s image. The city’s property market is currently undervalued compared to Singapore, Hong Kong or even Bali. According to the Mayor, Kuala Lumpur is losing out to Singapore and Thailand in terms of foreign investment.

“Multinational companies come here but the expatriates do not care. If the standard of living is not as good, they will suggest to their company - why not go to Singapore? But everything is double there, everything is expensive but who cares because the company must listen to them. They do not want to come here. So this is where everything must be developed,” says the Mayor.

Even locals are moving out of the city. According to Norliza Hashim, president of Malaysian Institute of Planners, Kuala Lumpur’s population drops from 2.2 million people in the day to 1.8 million at night. Nevertheless, the Mayor’s green ambition has so far drawn mixed responses from analysts. Some say improvements in the city’s infrastructure will have a positive impact on its property market, similar to how such improvements have positively impacted properties in KL Sentral.

“I think that with improvements, KL is able to attract more multinational companies (MNCs) and thereby have a positive impact on commercial and residential demand. For example, the KLIA Express has strong positive impact on KL Sentral’s properties in terms of MNCs now located there as an alternative to Golden Triangle,” Koh says.

Others like Savills Rahim & Co say Kuala Lumpur is still a draw amongst foreign investors with new deals being sealed. The property firm recently secured 12,000 sq ft in commercial space in the Golden Triangle area for a French oil and gas company. In addition, the Malaysian Industrial Development Authority (Mida) recently secured US MNC, PMC-Sierra, which could generate some RM1.7 billion of business over two years.

Despite the Mayor’s good intentions, Kuala Lumpur faces several hurdles in trying to improve its infrastructure. Firstly, there is not enough land to develop it into a commercial and financial hub. Secondly, land in the city is owned by individuals and therefore is difficult to develop it like the Singapore model. So, although Kuala Lumpur has land acquisition acts, they are hard to implement.

“Malaysia is still having issues in implementing. Compliance levels are low in some agencies,” Hashim says. “We are not asking for a miracle. But if a good outcome can be derived from this discussion, it will help City Hall move forward in providing better inputs for finalising its documents.”

The global economic crisis has certainly increased the level of competition amongst Southeast Asian countries to continue attracting foreign investments. It is also probably a good time for Kuala Lumpur to do some soul searching. For the city’s property market to attract foreign investors in such a challenging climate, the Malaysian government needs to find the political will to implement changes that are conducive for investments. However, it should go beyond doing it solely for commercial interest. It is also about serving the needs of the people. In the meantime, will the government body with vested power and authority please stand up?

i don't agree narrowing the road to increase the lane. because motorcyclist will suffer most. as they can't go through when cars are blocking their way.

there are only 2 reasons why Jalan Pudu is having a high congestion. 1st, 1 lane is for the buses queuing up to enter the Puduraya. 2nd, while taxis take the first lane as their waiting lane, passenger's car is taking the 2nd lane as their wait-and-drop lane. so, only 1 lane left for traffic....

how about making the Pudu Road as 1 Way road? as well as Jalan Tun Perak and Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock. as we already have alternative roads for peoples going to the opposite side.in many cases the cars are already creating 4 lanes where there are 3 lanes :lol:

Regarding the conversion to a 1-way road - who knows, it might actually happen. They will be converting part of Jalan Tun Sambanthan to a 1way road later this year - October or November I think...

If there are alternatives then it can work...but better to make an effort with enforcement first.

Cheers, m

http://transitmy.org/2009/05/08/announcement-upcoming-changes-to-transits-website/

TRANSIT is making changes to our website over the next few months to encourage commentary and feedback and ideas from the public.

Please pass the information along to your friends and fellow public transport enthusiasts.

Cheers, m

DBKL introduces traffic dispersal plan for Brickfields, Pudu areas.

http://www.mmail.com.my/content/launched-rm194-million-traffic-plan-beat-kl-traffic-jams

and

http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2009/5/16/central/3915615&sec=central

See comments on TRANSIT here (http://transitmy.org/2009/05/16/commentary-new-traffic-dispersal-plan/).

Cheers, m

Public busses are the cheapest and the most direct solution to our congestion as many of you has already suggested. Oshhisham also pointed out that sometimes people are reluctant to use busses when they already know how congested the road is. Doesn't help to reduce their commute time.

This is my little observation when I'm using LDP Sunway Puchong everyday:

Besides something has to be done with Federal Highway/LDP interchange, which will bring the traffic all the way in to Puchong Jaya, we also see some awesome queue on the toll, especially those that pay cash. There is only one reason I can think of that people prefer cash toll instead of TnG - claims from the company. Perhaps most cases in all the tolls in Malaysia. If there is another way of using the receipt as valid claims, Im sure it will loosen the traffic least a little bit.

Im saying this because I think this is something that can be done immediately and less complicated than most of the traffic studies.

DBKL introduces traffic dispersal plan for Brickfields, Pudu areas.

http://www.mmail.com.my/content/launched-rm194-million-traffic-plan-beat-kl-traffic-jams

and

http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2009/5/16/central/3915615&sec=central

See comments on TRANSIT here (http://transitmy.org/2009/05/16/commentary-new-traffic-dispersal-plan/).

Cheers, m

KL roads are already wide. and Brickfield can handle those cars if enforcement is done. enough said. this government always think about project, project and project to be given to cronies....damn!

some easy things can be done easier if only they have brain!

Public busses are the cheapest and the most direct solution to our congestion as many of you has already suggested. Oshhisham also pointed out that sometimes people are reluctant to use busses when they already know how congested the road is. Doesn't help to reduce their commute time.

This is my little observation when I'm using LDP Sunway Puchong everyday:

Besides something has to be done with Federal Highway/LDP interchange, which will bring the traffic all the way in to Puchong Jaya, we also see some awesome queue on the toll, especially those that pay cash. There is only one reason I can think of that people prefer cash toll instead of TnG - claims from the company. Perhaps most cases in all the tolls in Malaysia. If there is another way of using the receipt as valid claims, Im sure it will loosen the traffic least a little bit.

Im saying this because I think this is something that can be done immediately and less complicated than most of the traffic studies.

sorry my mistake. notice something similar is already implement where highway user can actually get their receipt printed online.

www.touchngo.com.my

klau ak lalu kt brickfield x penah x jam kecuali tgh malam n subuh..
hahahaha

Prime Minister Najib will table the 2010 Budget in the Dewan Rakyat on Friday, 23 October.

The Opposition DAP has continued with their tradition of an Alternative Budget which they revealed today, 7 October.

The Alternative 2010 Budget is available in .pdf form at this link (http://dapmalaysia.org/newenglish/DAP_Budget_2010_en.pdf).

Public Transport related features of the Alternative Budget are reproduced below:

Pg. 14, Section 5 - Key Policy Highlights

4. Authority over the design and administration of public transport networks will be devolved to states. Every city will have a Transport Authority [TRANSIT: Wise idea] under the oversight of the local city council; for smaller towns and suburbs, they would be grouped together under the control of the State-wide Transport Authority. In the Klang Valley, which is too interconnected for public transport management to be left to a single state or local council, the DAP proposes to create the Klang Valley Transport Authority (KVTA)

5. Under this system of devolved transport expenditure RM 13 billion is budgeted for public transport in 2010, and will be distributed to the individual states based on population and vehicle density. Limited competition and Gross-cost route contracts will also be implemented to allow the transport authority to prioritise stability and connectivity while seeking cost efficiency. Under this system, the network and design is determined by the transport authority, while the operator selected via a open and competitive tender.

TRANSIT Says: (http://transitmy.org/2009/10/07/alternative-2010-budget-displayed/)

As you can imagine, many of the comments we have made, proposals we have made and letters we have written over the past 5 years have been noted but it has been a problem trying to get these ideas incorporated as government policy.

And, while we have seen some glimmers of hope and change, the level of resistance on inertia and unwillingness to move has often been frustrating.

The 2010 Alternative Budget has done an excellent job of articulating and expressing the policy thrusts and changes for public transport that we have been pushing for the past 5 years.

What remains now is for the government to take action and actually make these changes happen, instead of standing by and continuing old, ineffective policies.

Page 26-31 Section 8.4 Public Transport

8.4.1 Current situation: Problems and Efforts

a Rising use of private vehicles

Urban congestion is now a major problem in Peninsula Malaysia. This has largely been caused by private car ownership increasing faster than the expansion of urban road networks over the last few decades. Malaysia has the 4th highest car ownership ratio in Asia Pacific after only New Zealand, South Korea and Australia. In 2006, 67% of persons aged above 18 years in Malaysia own a car. This is more than twice the rate of car ownership in Thailand, 3 times the rate in Singapore, and 5 times the rate in Philippines. (27)

This problem has been particularly pronounced in Klang Valley, where car ownership per 1000 persons increased from 247 vehicles in 1990 to 994 vehicles in 2002 respectively, far beyond the national level per 1000 persons of 91 vehicles in 1990, and 210 vehicles in 2002. (28)

This increased demand for private transport has been mainly driven by the lack of efficient public transport alternatives to cope with the accelerating demand in urban centres. To illustrate, the percentage of trips using private vehicles rose significantly from 47% in 1985 to 71% in 2005, while in the same period, the share of public transport dropped from 35% to 16%. (29)

Furthermore, the cost of private driving has been distortedly cheap because of subsidised fuel. In the past, for political, financial and technical reasons, attempts to alleviate urban congestion have been biased towards capital-intensive road building and traffic management. (30) But building and expanding roads is not a sustainable long-term solution as we are already running out of space.

In addition to traffic congestion that costs Malaysia in lost productivity, the excessive use of motor vehicles has led to noise and atmospheric pollution, accidents, environmental decay and unsustainable energy use. Making public transport more convenient and efficient is imperative.

b Lack of investment in public transport

Part of the problem with our public transport system has been the lack of capital investment; we have preferred to spend our money on building more and more roads and highways. For example, the KTM Komuter, which was established in 1995, now only has about 36 train sets (31) compared to its original 62 train sets. This is despite the fact that new stations have been added (32) and passenger demand has tripled. (33)

In the BN Federal Budget for 2009, Tun Abdullah Badawi promised to spend RM35billion on improving public transport over a period of 6 years (2009-2014). While it is uncertain how this sum is allocated, it averages out to just over RM5.83billion a year, or 1.1% of the 2008 GDP. (34) Compare this figure with Singapore, which already has a much better developed transport system and a much smaller geographical area. In 2008, Singapore spent $3.149 billion, or the equivalent of 1.46% of their GDP on road and public transport infrastructure. (35) Hence, even RM35billion over 6 years, if it is truly and effectively allocated, is insufficient.

c Reliance on private sector

A product of depending on the private sector to fork up both the money and the expertise to plan and develop public transport in the country is that there is a lack of coordination between the different private companies and hence a lack of connectivity between the different modes of transportation. It was not until the separate LRT lines were taken over that an integrated fare system in the form of the Touch'n'Go was introduced and enforced.

Moreover, when private corporations have financed public transport investment, such as the Putra-LRT, the Star-LRT and the KL Monorail, the government has been forced to step in to bail them out when the corporations could not afford to repay their loans, resulting in much higher cost of investment by the Government.

d Lack of planning and accountability

There is also a lack of proper planning and accountability when it comes to development of public transport. A good example is the situation involving the Klang Sentral Terminal B. The Klang Municipal Council spent RM700,000 on the North Klang bus terminal only to shut it down after 2 years and force bus operators to move to the RM12million Klang Sentral terminal. Because of the location of the new bus terminal outside the town centre and the difference in rental costs, most bus operators have been reluctant to shift. Now only 9 months after it was first opened, the Klang Sentral Terminal B has been abandoned by most bus operators. (36) There must be an authority tasked specifically with integrated planning and implementation of public transport policy, and that takes into account the views of all stakeholders.

The lack of objectivity and adequate planning is also clear from the purchase of 20 locomotives from China in 2003 for a sum of RM220million. Despite the original quality assessment report’s recommendation against the purchase, the government and KTMB continued with the purchase because of an agreement to trade 110,000 tonnes of palm oil with China. Because the trains were not made to KTMB’s specifications, the cooling system of the engines was unsuitable for local weather, and the wheels are incompatible with the tracks and thus wear out much faster. By May 2008, only 5 of those locomotives were operational, and the rest had to be repaired and overhauled. (37)

e Past achievements are not enough

Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak recently announced, as part of his targets for the national Key Result Areas, that the Kelana Jaya LRT line is to get 35 new four-car train sets by 2012, (38) but it seems that this is the same 35 trains earlier promised and procured under the 2009 Budget that were expected to be fully operational by early 2010. (39) So not only is the federal target narrowly defined, it is an extension of the earlier deadline. This also reflects the lopsided development of transportation in Malaysia, with most of our funds focused in the Klang Valley area, and the neglect of our secondary cities.

While we support efforts to increase the capacity of the currently overcrowded rail systems, we think that on its own it is not enough. There are serious problems with the underlying structure of our public transport system. The DAP believes that in order to provide an efficient, reliable and integrated public transport system, the current system including the relevant governing and regulating authorities require a complete overhaul.

27. 2006 Media Index study by The Nielsen Company: http://my.nielsen.com/news/20070529.shtml

28. Fatima Kari and Rajah Rasiah “Automobile emissions and the environment: The Malaysian experience”
http://www.idrc.ca/en/ev-132167-201-1-DO_TOPIC.html

29. Ibid.

30. Jamilah Mohamad, “Whither Transport Plans in Kuala Lumpur? Progress and Challenges in Urban Transport Planning”
(1992)

31.“ Increase In Komuter Units To Decrease Peak Hour Crowds By March 2009”. Bernama. December 1, 2008.
http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v5/newsindex.php?id=375620

32. New stations since 1995 include KL Sentral, Mid Valley, Kepong Sentral, Serendah, Rasa and Kuala Kubu Bharu.

33. Darshini M. Nathan, “KTMB upgrades to be competitive”. The Star Bizweek. October 6, 2007.

34. In 2008, Malaysia’s GDP (at constant 2000 prices) was RM528.8billion.

35. In 2008, Singapore spent $3.149 billion on road and public transport infrastructure and had a GDP (at constant 2000 prices) of $233.4245 billion.

http://www.singstat.gov.sg/stats/themes/economy/hist/gdp1.html
http://www.singaporebudget.gov.sg/expenditure_overview/mot.html
36. “Klang folk are still upset over the relocation away from town”. The Star. February 10, 2009.
“Klang’s Terminal B closes after nine months”. Malay Mail. August 4, 2009.
“RapidKL dumps RM12m Klang Sentral”. The Star. April 22, 2009.

37. Badrolhisham Bidin, K. Baradan And U-En Ng, “Ong orders immediate probe” Malay Mail.
Manjit Kaur, “GMs should be held responsible, says railwaymen” The Star. May 9, 2008
“KTMB depot is for repairs”. The Star. May 10, 2008
Ng Cheng Yee, “Probe into 'crocked' locomotives”. The Star. December 18, 2008.

38. “Najib sets targets for Government to meet”. The Star. July 27, 2009. http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?
file=/2009/7/27/nation/20090727103556&sec=nation

39. Budget Speech 2009: “34. At the same time, 35 train carriages for the Kelana Jaya Line have been procured costing RM1.3 billion and these trains will be fully operational by early 2010.”

Alternative Budget 2010 Continued ... National Land Transportation Blueprint

8.4.2 National Land Transportation Blueprint (NLTB)

Currently, 13 agencies handle public transport related issues. (40) The lack of harmonisation between the different agencies’ functions is reflected in their disorganised policies. The DAP holds that land transportation should be viewed holistically since the different forms of transportation affect one another.

Therefore, it is proposed to create a National Land Transportation Commission (NLTC) under the Ministry of Transport that will formulate the National Land Transportation Blueprint (NLTB). The current agencies handling various transportation matters will either be merged into the NLTC or at the least, be subjected to the guidelines of the NLTB and the authority of the NLTC.

The NLTB will provide a national framework for public transport and road building and integrate development of different aspects of transportation, i.e. rail, bus, taxi, cycling and walking. It will also set user-friendliness, energy consumption and emissions guidelines and targets. Most importantly, the NLTB will set out the roles and responsibilities of the independent transport authorities that are to be created.

a Independent transport authorities

Authority over the design and administration of public transport networks will be devolved to states. Every city will have a Transport Authority under the oversight of the local city council; for smaller towns and suburbs, they would be grouped together under the control of the State-wide Transport Authority. This would, along with local council elections and greater transparency and consultations, allow representation in the decision-making process from the communities directly affected by the transportation system. Moreover, instead of the current uneven development, each area’s transport development will hopefully better reflect their needs. However, all transportation plans should adhere to the national guidelines as laid out in the NLTB. Non-adherence will be penalized.

In the Klang Valley, which is too inter-connected for public transport management to be left to a single state or local council, the DAP proposes to create the Klang Valley Transport Authority (KVTA). The KVTA and other Federal or State transport authorities will work closely with the local governments controlling traffic management and parking in order to integrate management of urban mobility. This is akin to the Transport for London’s partnerships with the local boroughs.

The board of directors controlling the KVTA will be appointed by the Menteri Besar of Selangor; similarly, members of the board at State-wide Transport Authorities will be appointed by the respective Menteri Besar or Chief Minister whereas at City Transport Authorities, the elected mayor will be in charge. To ensure the close cooperation between the transport authorities and the local governments, local councils will be represented at the board at the KVTA and other STAs.

b Disbursing transport funds

Under this system of devolved transport expenditure, RM 13 billion is budgeted for public transport in 2010, and will be distributed to the individual states based on population and vehicle density. Areas with greater population and vehicle density have a greater and more pressing need for public transport and hence, will get more funds. These funds will be disbursed to states in the form of specific purpose grants.

The transport authorities will have to fulfil certain KPIs as determined by the NLTB. These should include indicators based on accessibility, availability, reliability, safety and comfort. There will also be financial targets such as cost recovery ratios. These indicators will be examined annually and over a 5-year period, and the public will have access to these figures.

c Limited competition and Gross-cost route contracts

As part of the NTLB implementation, the DAP proposes a regime of limited competition under the NLTB, which an EU study concluded was the best model among the EU states. (41) This regime allows the transport authority to prioritise stability and connectivity while seeking cost efficiency. The local transport authorities will control the design of the network and define the transport product that is to be delivered, although the actual design process can be outsourced to a professional team. The operators in charge for execution of the product will be determined via competitive and open tender.

Besides planning the network, the authority will own, and hence also fund, most necessary infrastructure including bus stops and terminals. The authority can then lease the infrastructure to operators. This will remove most barriers to entry for operators and prevent unnatural market concentration. The authority will also be the public face of the
transport network.

Gross-cost route contracts (42) that also set minimum standards for production resources and service-levels, as well as incentives for quality of service and levels of patronage will be implemented. In a gross-cost route contract, all revenue collected goes to the authority, and the authority pays the operator a fixed sum based on the amount or service provided, i.e. the number of kilometres and hours run. Clauses built into the contract will financially reward good performance by the operators and penalize bad performance. Bidders that can operate a given route for the lowest cost (including profit margin) will win the tender. In such a structure, risk is shared. The authority takes responsibility for commercial risk whereas operators bear productive risks.

These contracts would be retendered every 5 years to ensure operating costs are kept low and are in line with current financial realities. Under such a contractual framework, local authorities can maintain control over the transportation network and hence policy goals can be achieved more easily. The authority can ensure integration between different modes of transport and that buses service all necessary areas. On lossmaking routes, bidders that can operate for the lowest cost would win the tender. As the transport authority will also in charge of setting fares and ensuring collection, they can
also continue pursuing fare integration and introducing concessionary fares.

d Align development with public transport objectives

Local draft plans and development planning must be in line with public transport requirements. New housing developments will have to integrate the development of public transport, such as potential bus routes and location of bus stops, into their plans before they can be approved by the local authorities. Network design must also incorporate transportation hubs at strategic locations to best integrate local public transport.

e User-friendly public transport

To increase public transport utilisation rates, we need to make existing and future public transport systems user-friendly. As efficient as transport operations may be, it is pointless if people find them incomprehensible. As will be outlined in the NLTB, information regarding public transport, including information regarding routes, frequencies and interchange points, should be made widely and easily available. For example, signs and route information should be clearly visible at bus stops and LRT stations; the relevant operators’ and transport authorities’ websites should be further developed and frequently updated. Simple guides and pamphlets should be free while more complex bus route maps, for example, could be made available for purchase.

All future network designs, infrastructure building and equipments will need to take into account the needs of elderly and disabled commuters. LRT stations will be fitted with barrier-free facilities such as tactile guides, ramps and lifts to make them more accessible. Transportation hubs will have disabled-friendly toilets installed. All new buses must have ramps for wheelchair access or be low-floor and step-free. Accordingly, all bus stops should be compatible with these buses and wheelchair-friendly pavements leading up to the bus stops will be introduced. Existing facilities will be gradually converted to be accessible.

f Specific tasks and initiatives

Some specific tasks that the new KVTA will be expected to carry out include investigating and improving connectivity between different rail systems and feeder buses in Klang Valley. New rail lines or expansion of current lines could also be explored, such as the “Circle” LRT line to connect the suburbs of Petaling Jaya, Puchong, Sri Petaling, Cheras, Ampang, Setapak, Setapak, Gombak, Sentul and Kepong while bypassing the congested city centre. At the same time, new bus services routes will be tendered to operators to reduce the need for expensive rail expansions. Park n Ride initiatives will
also be necessitated in new network designs. More parking areas will need to be designated near major LRT stations and transportation hubs.

Secondary cities should focus on developing an efficient bus transportation system. A bus system is likely to be more cost effective than a rail system because it does not require as large a number of passengers to reach critical mass.

Overall, the transportation sector will receive RM13.047 billion in development allocation, a 71.6% increase compared to the budget expenditure in 2009. This sizeable increase in allocation demonstrates DAP's commitment towards a quantum leap in public transport infrastructure in Malaysia to trigger not only a better quality of living, but also a substantial boost in economic productivity in the country.

40. “Public transport: Too many cooks”. The Star. February 3, 2009. http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/2/3/nation/20090203191638&sec=nation

41.Results of the ISOTOPE project: http://www.eu-portal.net/material/materials/summary_kt1b.pdf

42. Route contract is when an authority issues a contract for the operation of one specified route or a specified group of routes; a gross-cost contract pays the operator a specified sum to provide a specified service for a specified period. All revenue collected is for the authority.

Alternative Budget 2010 Continued ... National Land Transportation Blueprint

Hi all,

I think the DAP Budget came in time for my dissertation. This year, I'm writing a paper on the changing urban transportation trends and how it relates to urban structure with particular focus in Asia and the Middle East. I am taking KL as one of the case studies.

From a less partial point-of-view, an Australian professor based in Singapore had analysed KL's situation which drops into the same category as Bangkok in which both cities have achieved "traffic saturation" but not yet "automobile dependent" like American cities where private transport infrastructure are very well-developed and the city is designed to the car. In SEAsia, it is analysed that KL and Bangkok are at crossroads as to follow the American model (ie fully car-oriented) or lean towards much more of a reconciliation between private and public transportation (like Park-and-ride). This study was carried out earlier this decade and it was admitted that there were difficulties in obtaining data from the government due to incomplete/inaccurate statistics.

Anyway, I was just wondering if this source could be treated as an "official" academic source, since its proposed by the alternative/opposite party and may or may not coincide with those proposed by the ruling government.

Hi all,

Anyway, I was just wondering if this source could be treated as an "official" academic source, since its proposed by the alternative/opposite party and may or may not coincide with those proposed by the ruling government.It is not a government policy but it is a legitimate policy document of the Malaysian opposition party. The main problem with the document is that the statistics cited and the sources are somewhat weaker ... not having access to government documents (all rahsia & under OSA) means that they have to cite newspaper articles, that kind of thing.

Cheers, m

Unlike the LRT service, not much has been said about the Komuter service.

Anyway, this is my vision of the service in the future.


1) KTM Komuter service will behave less like metro and more like S-Bahn (take Switzerland as an example).
2) Break the current 2 lines into 4 distinct lines with all making stop at KL Sentral. This will greatly reduce the rush madness at the station.
3) Lengthen the current KL-Seremban to Senawang. I heard KTM will do this eventually.
4) Lengthen the KL-Bt Caves line to Genting Sempah. Genting perhaps can then start a cable car service connecting this station and Awana.
5) Extend the KL-Tj Malim service to Ipoh. The infra is already there.
6) Rehabilitate the spur line to Subang airport, and introduce new line - KL-Subang.
7) Expediating building of loop tracks from Kajang station looping through Bangi, etc. to Sg Buloh or Rawang. This is already in the pipeline. Then all freight trains can be diverted from entering KL CBD.
8) Build tracks from this loop downsouth through Cyberjaya, KLIA, Sepang Gold Coast, PD, Melaka.
9) With these two new tracks, KTM can introduce two new lines - KL-KLIA-Gold Coast and Ipoh-Rawang-Cyberjaya-KLIA-PD-Melaka (this will behave more like a long distance express without having to go through KL City).

In short, this will be the list of lines/services:

K1 - KL Sentral - Ipoh
K2 - KL Sentral - Genting Sempah
K3 - KL Sentral - Senawang
K4 - KL Sentral - Port Klang
K5 - KL Sentral - Subang Airport (with provision of future extension to new area)
K6 - KL Sentral - Kajang - Putrajaya North - Cyberjaya - KLIA - Gold Coast
K7 - Ipoh - Rawang - Putrajaya North - Cyberjaya - KLIA - PD - Melaka

Of course, the services don't have to start and end at the same station all the time. Like S-bahn, the start and end station of the service depend on time/schedule.
And collectively this can be called Komuter Central.

Any comments on my wild idea?

very wild indeed..haahah

just 1 thing. komuter cannot climb the titiwangsa mountain range la. since the genting sempah is on the hilly areas.

Unlike the LRT service, not much has been said about the Komuter service.

Anyway, this is my vision of the service in the future.


1) KTM Komuter service will behave less like metro and more like S-Bahn (take Switzerland as an example).
2) Break the current 2 lines into 4 distinct lines with all making stop at KL Sentral. This will greatly reduce the rush madness at the station.
3) Lengthen the current KL-Seremban to Senawang. I heard KTM will do this eventually.
4) Lengthen the KL-Bt Caves line to Genting Sempah. Genting perhaps can then start a cable car service connecting this station and Awana.
5) Extend the KL-Tj Malim service to Ipoh. The infra is already there.
6) Rehabilitate the spur line to Subang airport, and introduce new line - KL-Subang.
7) Expediating building of loop tracks from Kajang station looping through Bangi, etc. to Sg Buloh or Rawang. This is already in the pipeline. Then all freight trains can be diverted from entering KL CBD.
8) Build tracks from this loop downsouth through Cyberjaya, KLIA, Sepang Gold Coast, PD, Melaka.
9) With these two new tracks, KTM can introduce two new lines - KL-KLIA-Gold Coast and Ipoh-Rawang-Cyberjaya-KLIA-PD-Melaka (this will behave more like a long distance express without having to go through KL City).

In short, this will be the list of lines/services:

K1 - KL Sentral - Ipoh
K2 - KL Sentral - Genting Sempah
K3 - KL Sentral - Senawang
K4 - KL Sentral - Port Klang
K5 - KL Sentral - Subang Airport (with provision of future extension to new area)
K6 - KL Sentral - Kajang - Putrajaya North - Cyberjaya - KLIA - Gold Coast
K7 - Ipoh - Rawang - Putrajaya North - Cyberjaya - KLIA - PD - Melaka

Of course, the services don't have to start and end at the same station all the time. Like S-bahn, the start and end station of the service depend on time/schedule.
And collectively this can be called Komuter Central.

Any comments on my wild idea?Some very interesting ideas. The only challenge is the number of available tracks. And I dont think KTM Komuter is acting like a metro in any way...when you have to wait 40 minutes between trains, how can that be considered "metro-like" ?

It should be interesting to see what does happen over the next few months because KTM Komuter is going to cut back on trips to the outer surburbs and focusing on increasing service frequencies in KL.

Instead, the expanded intercity service and shuttles will be used to bring more of the suburban commuters and residents into KL.

Cheers, m

Tomorrow is the 2nd National Summit on Urban Public Transport and yours truly will be speaking for the 2nd session.

Information and my presentation & paper are already posted to http://transitmy.org and http://transitmy.org/proposals.

I will try to give feedback & updates tomorrow afternoon or Friday morning.

Cheers, m

Try ‘tut-tut’ system here


RECENT letters from KTM (KTM increases frequency) and RapidKL (RapidKL to beef up services) published in The Star on Nov 18 are welcome news for the public who frequently use these facilities.

Much has been said about the pathetic conditions of public transport in the country. What irks me is the lack of transport facilities in Malaysia which are available even in the most backward of countries!

In most Asian countries, there are services provided by such things as three-wheelers, motorcycles, etc that can get you from a railway station or bus stop to your home.

In a recent incident my elderly neighbour and his wife tried getting home from the Subang Jaya KTM terminal to his home in SS 17. The only way is by a minibus service which is infrequent, or by taxi.

The unscrupulous taxi drivers at the station demanded RM7 each for the couple to take them home which is about 15 minutes’ walk away.

The elderly gentleman walked home in the rain and drove his car back to the station to pick up his wife.

I have had similar experiences of having to drag my luggage and walk home on several occasions. Perhaps this is the reason why almost every home in the residential areas of Petaling Jaya and Subang Jaya maintain two or more cars!

Having lived in Thailand briefly, I am amazed with the highly organised public transport system over there.

There is for instance the van-like “tsung tiao” which goes on regular routes like our bus services. All you need is to pay 10 baht (RM1) and you can get down close to your home on the van that plies your route.

Then there is the “tut-tut”, a three-wheeler which would send you to your doorstep.

The same “tut-tut” is popular in the Indian sub-continent where it is known as the Oto risksha. But my favourite is the “regulated” motorcyclists who would pick you up from any point and take you home and the charges are from 10 to 20 baht (RM1 to RM2).

The motorcycle system is well-regulated, with motorcyclists covering a certain designated area. Colour-coded vests identify the area that each group of motorcyclists cover.

There are rules governing the speed and the area they cover. It also provides a simple source of income and employment to thousands of young people, both men and women.

If this is not feasible, the authorities should consider bringing back the mini-buses to ply within the housing estates in the main cities of the country.

I would suggested that we try out this form of transport in residential areas such as from the KTM station to SS 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 etc in Subang Jaya, and from Sunway Pyramid to surrounding areas.

If the experiment is successful, it can be applied elsewhere. It will go a long way to help the housewives and elderly people who can travel freely from their homes to the market etc without the need of taking their car.

I must stress if well-regulated and properly supervised, it will not become a pain in the neck.

The only people who would oppose any such new services would be taxi companies and taxi drivers who are milking the public due to the monopoly they enjoy.

RGM,

Subang Jaya.

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/11/24/focus/5146486&sec=focus

TRANSIT notes that there will be a meeting of Klang MPs, Klang ADUNs and Klang Municipal Council members regarding Klang public transport:

http://transitmy.files.wordpress.com/2010/04/meeting-on-klang-public-transport-9-april1.jpg

We hope that residents of Klang will attend the session and come prepared to discuss issues related to Klang Sentral, connections with KL, bus rapid transit, traffic congestion, etc.

For more information about TRANSIT's proposal, see our Klang proposal at http://transitmy.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/klang-rapid-transit-routes-summary.pdf

If you have any suggestions or ideas you would like to bring up, please pass them along.

Cheers, m

when the BRT project start? what stage is it now...?

when the BRT project start? what stage is it now...?The BRT project is going to start after the expanded bus lanes project.

Bus lanes will probably start later this year, perhaps in September or October.

Bus Rapid Transit construction may start in early 2011.

It all depends on how SPAD starts operations and what they decide to prioritize.

Cheers, m

The SPAD bill was tabled in Parliament on 12 April 2010. Information can be found at http://transitmy.org/2010/04/12/spad-bill-tabled-in-parliament-12apr/

TRANSIT needs your feedback and suggestions about how to improve public transport and make SPAD operate effectively. Please comment below or at our posting http://transitmy.org/2010/04/12/spad-bill-tabled-in-parliament-12apr/ or send an email to klangvalley.transit@gmail.com

Cheers, m

One of the current issues is the make-up of the Commission. We need your suggestions about who should be Commissioners, as well as Chair and Minister-in-Charge.

The law states that SPAD will have as many as 12 Commissioners, including 3-5 non-government, 5 from government, as well as the CEO and the Chair.

The Minister-in-Charge will represent the Malaysian government and report to the Cabinet.

For more information on the issue, please see our posting here (http://transitmy.org/2010/05/10/should-pm-najib-chair-spad/).

There is also a poll that names some candidates for Chair / Minister-in-Charge.

Your feedback is very much appreciated.

Cheers, m

Mayb government should look into how to attract ppl to use public transport???

-In my opinion using public transport is not cheap though... It is almost the same price as the private vehicle petrol usage(thanks to the

subsidies of petrol? =p). And for private vehicle, I can drive from one place and reach destination, while public transport does not, you

will have to change from bus to train and perhaps some walking distance to reach a destination.


-There is also some problem regarding the TVM machine that do not accept notes (im not sure is only KTM or LRT also). Rapid KL bus do

not accept touch n go, forces to bring more "coins" or small change. I remember last time I took bus in KL, I couldnt use the touch n

go(im abit outdated since ady so many months not in KL) so I was forced to use cash, lucky i have small change and also shilling in my

wallet(fyi just barely enough for 1 way bus fare), otherwise I would have to use a RM5 notes (OMG).


-The punctuality of public transport noted that buses and KTM usually causes late and delay.


Perhaps government should promote the usage of touch n go card, it has been out for many years i think but not many ppl prefer to use

it. Best if government or the public transport operator can co-operate with teras teknologi to come out with a win-win solution to both

operator and teras teknologi. If there is benefit to tng user, the number of ppl use tng will increase eventually. The TVM machine in

LRT,KTM and MRT can be upgraded, so that tng user could reload the card without any charges like in petrol station, ATM machine and

so on.

Integration of public transport? The putra and star line are actually operated by same company but the integration of both lines are so

poor. Mayb subway can be consider for MRT instead of elevated tracks. If the tracks are to be built underground, multiple line can be

built, and easier to connect or integrate stations of different line.


For Penang and JB, if monorail is plan to be built why not consider MRT or LRT for future development? Old LRT train(2

coaches train currently serving Putra line can be transfer to Penang or JB LRT to save money lolz)

I went to the seri pacific hotel today to take a look at the "mesra rakyat public transport worlshop". I was turned away. Apparently it was by invitation only. No wonder there were so many big cars around. :P

I went to the seri pacific hotel today to take a look at the "mesra rakyat public transport worlshop". I was turned away. Apparently it was by invitation only. No wonder there were so many big cars around. :PYou should write to the newspaper & complain. Mention that the Datuk Bandar of KL said in a recent interview that the workshop was open to the public.

TRANSIT has a problem because we won't have enough ppl there - and they took us off the "Does Prasarana's expansion plans meet the public transport needs of the Klang Valley" and put us on the "Will the proposals to improve congestion management & enforcement work"

Must have thought we might be biased.....:lol:

Cheers, m

You should write to the newspaper & complain. Mention that the Datuk Bandar of KL said in a recent interview that the workshop was open to the public.

Cheers, m

Question, is there any future plan for KL metro expansion? like other city with plans up to year 2020 or even 2050. Do we even have a plan like this? Thank you.

Question, is there any future plan for KL metro expansion? like other city with plans up to year 2020 or even 2050. Do we even have a plan like this? Thank you.The DBKL's proposal is here, in the KL City 2020 Draft Plan

http://transitmy.files.wordpress.com/2009/11/lrt-line.jpg

Of course, Prasarana have their own plan.

Cheers, m

The DBKL's proposal is here, in the KL City 2020 Draft Plan

Of course, Prasarana have their own plan.

Cheers, m

Thanks. Do you have the future public transport plan for klang valley? Btw do you have a clearer picture? The picture you posted is hard for me to understand :nuts: .Best if can separate the line with different colours and the completed line and proposed line. . Is the green line consists of KTM, LRT, Monorail and ERL??? or is only LRT??? How about the red line???

Thanks. Do you have the future public transport plan for klang valley? Btw do you have a clearer picture? The picture you posted is hard for me to understand :nuts: .Best if can separate the line with different colours and the completed line and proposed line. . Is the green line consists of KTM, LRT, Monorail and ERL??? or is only LRT??? How about the red line???The green lines are all the existing lines - KTM, LRT, monorail and ERL. The red lines are the border of the Federal Territory. The brown/maroon lines represent the proposed lines in the DBKL plan.

I do not have anything more detailed but there are some images in the DBKL local plan that look like the stylized LRT map. I just dont have them saved and this map was the first one that I came across.

there is no complete map for the Klang Valley as far as I know...just lots of little proposals.

Cheers, m