THE government plans to reduce travel time within Kuala Lumpur to less than an hour when the restructuring of the public transport system in the Klang Valley is fully implemented by May 2005, special adviser to the Prime Minister, Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop said.

The shorter travel time means that commuters will not be spending time waiting for public transport and that will eventually encourage more people to pick public transportation as their number one choice of transport.

Nor, who is the chairman of the steering committee on Kuala Lumpur Public Transportation System, said the government was concerned about the poor standard of public transportation systems in Klang Valley, which could break down completely if it was not resolved soon.

The current system was considered to be at level “E”, which allowed no room for error or contingencies and the government wanted to improve the system to at least to level “C”, which allowed 15% slack for contingencies, he said.

The poor conditions had already deterred most people from using public transport, judging by the decline in the number of commuters from 34% of the total KL population in 1985 to 16% presently.

“If we could help people go to work early, the restructuring will be a success because we can reduce the total of man-hours spent waiting for buses and improve the city's productivity,” Nor told StarBiz, adding that with a better public transport system, the government would gain enormous goodwill from the public.

Elaborating on the Restructuring of Kuala Lumpur Public Transportation System plan, Nor said commuters who travel within the city would feel the immediate impact of the changes, which would be implemented in the next 18 months.

One of the main changes include increasing the number of feeder buses to increase the frequency of service to every 10 to 15 minutes from the present 30 minutes. At the same time, amenities between connecting stations will also be upgraded to cut the connection time from one station to another.

“We are also planning to build travelators to shorten travelling time as well as constructing covered walkways for commuters' convenience,” Nor said, adding that the plan also took into consideration the country's hot climate and commuter aversion to walking under the hot sun.

Other time-saving improvements include the implementation of a single ticketing system which eliminates the need to queue up at every station. “Infrastructure such as MyKad is already in place and the system will be used more extensively in the future,” he said.

For commuters who prefer to drive to stations, the government would build more parking bays and have the fees incorporated into the ticketing system, said Nor.

And because of the new developments, KL City Hall is expected to freeze issuing new licences for operating parking areas except those related to the proposed public transportation system.

“The government will derive revenues from parking fees and the money will be ploughed back into the transportation system to subsidise the operations,” he said.

Nor said the revenue from parking fees was an important element of the restructuring plan as it would make it no longer necessary for operators to seek additional funding from the government other than RM14bil already spent on the main infrastructure.

Other important aspects of the plan are to keep the fare as low as possible.

“We are also planning to get revenue from other sources such as developing some of the land in the vicinity of the stations to promote economic activities,” Nor said, adding that the additional revenue would help offset any cost increases that could lead to an increase in fares.

According to Nor, the restructuring was the culmination of research by at least 11 government departments and ministries which had conducted their own studies on the public transportation system.

THE Government has appointed a new joint-venture company (newco) to manage the public transportation system for the Klang Valley that includes the city bus services operated by Park May Bhd and Intrakota Komposit Sdn Bhd as well as the PUTRA and STAR light rail transit (LRT) operations.

Ending weeks of speculation, the Prime Minister’s Department said yesterday the newco formed by the consortium, comprising Datuk Mohd Nadzmi Salleh, KL Infrastructure Group Bhd (KLIG) and KUB Holdings Bhd with equity split of 40:40:20 respectively, would become the master operator of the system that carries over 80% of the commuter traffic into the federal capital. According to sources, the concession would be for a period of at least 10 years, but not exceeding 30 years.

The Government also announced that a single integrated transport regulator known as the Klang Valley Urban Transportation Board would be established to oversee the operations and development of the public transportation system in the federal capital, currently under the jurisdictions of nearly a dozen ministries and government departments.

As master operator, the newco would lease the trains and buses from government-held Syarikat Prasarana Nasional Bhd that now owns all the assets in the system.

Prasarana this month completed the purchase of the city buses from Park May and Intrakota's parent DRB-HICOM Bhd and had been running the PUTRA and STAR lines since September last year.

It is understood that the financial arrangement being proposed is modelled on that first pioneered in Malaysia Airlines' widespread asset unbundling exercise last year which separated asset owner from operator.

This would free the commercial operator from the high cost of financing for capital and infrastructure development.

It is believed the two bus operations and two LRT lines turn in profits at the operating level – raking in some RM430mil in revenues in total annually against operating costs of about RM400mil – but are not able to cover their financing costs.

The consortium members are all established public transportation operators or have had such experience in the past. Nadzmi heads Nadicorp Holdings Sdn Bhd that runs a fleet of 1,200 buses plying national routes while KLIG is owner-operator of the KL Monorail. KUB’s chief executive Che Khalib Mohd Noh, meanwhile, had been the former executive council chairman of KTM Bhd.

When contacted yesterday, a KLIG official said the company had yet to receive the letter of award. However, he confirmed the consortium was still in talks with the government to determine the leasing rates for the assets.

Since July, a steering committee, comprising the Economic Planning Unit of the Prime Minister’s Department, Finance Ministry, Transport Ministry and Entrepreneur Development Ministry, had been coordinating the efforts leading to the selection of the consortium.

When contacted by StarBiz, steering committee chairman and special economic advisor to the Prime Minister Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop said the group’s timetable for asset acquisition and selection of a new master operator was on schedule.

He said the operations for the new entity should start by April next year and the new transport board is expected to be in place by April 2005.

Nor said the new structure would ensure greater efficiency and effectiveness in the future.

Acknowledging that Kuala Lumpur’s public transport system of multi-operators and uncoordinated development and operations in the past was far from perfect, Nor said he was “fully aware of the need to improve the system.”

He said that with some RM14bil invested over the past 10 years in the Klang Valley’s rail infrastructure, the way forward was for the integration and streamlining of the operations.

He said there wouldn’t be a need for additional capital investment except “an incremental amount” to improve scheduling, routings, connectivity and introduce a common ticketing system.

Nor said the other public transport operators like KL Monorail, KTM Komuter and bus lines Metrobus and Triton would continue to be run independently. However, an integration agreement would be signed between Prasarana and these parties to ensure that their operations were coordinated with that of the master operator.

Compared with the master operator, they control a relatively small share of the market.

Park May and Intrakota buses have between them up to 80% of the total daily bus ridership while PUTRA and STAR have total daily ridership of 165,000 and 100,000 respectively compared with 60,000 for KTM Komuter and 25,000 for KL Monorail.

http://www.thai.net/nazrey/kltran.JPG

A common ticketing system would be good, allow commuters to use just one card, to ride the monorail, LRT, star and erl. I'm not sure if there is such a facility, but, the ability to make a phone call, and automatically top up your travel card from a bank account or just an account set up would be an added convenience.

http://www.you-are-a-huge-nerd.com/kltran.JPG

"The current system was considered to be at level “E”, which allowed no room for error or contingencies and the government wanted to improve the system to at least to level “C”, which allowed 15% slack for contingencies, he said."

Any details about these levels?

Yaloooor... I want to know the criteria from level A to F too!

Nice photo montage of all the Valley's rail transport modes!

The Star: 20/04/2004

PETALING JAYA: A plan to introduce a common ticket for all public transport services in the Klang Valley has suffered some setbacks which could delay its implementation.

Sources said the plan, which would allow Touch 'n Go and the yet-to-be launched MEPS Transit Card to be used for all services, was being held back because several public transport operators and Rangkaian Segar Sdn Bhd, the provider of the Touch 'n Go system, could not agree on commission rates.

The operators, they said, were reluctant to accept Rangkaian Segar's rate, claiming it would eat too much into their “meagre” profits.

“There are no problems with the technical aspects of the system. In fact, it can be switched on today. However, it is the commercial issues which are preventing it from going on-line,” one of the sources said.

The actual rates offered by Rangkaian Segar is believed to be at least 2% per transaction, but the operators are only willing to pay between 1% and 1.5%.

It was reported last year that the Cabinet wanted a common ticketing system (CTS) to be implemented for the Klang Valley's two light rail transit (LRT) systems, two high-speed rail links, KTM Komuter, monorail and the bus network.

Currently, commuters have to buy different tickets for the various services.

Unlike the common toll payment system for expressways, CTS would not rely exclusively on the Touch 'n Go. It would also accept a second stored-value card, MEPS Transit, provided by Malaysian Electronic Payment Systems Sdn Bhd.

The CTS has to incorporate the Touch 'n Go system as it has a head start and can already be used on the Putraline LRT service, Cityliner buses and certain Starline LRT stations.

Implemented by a task force under the Finance Ministry, the CTS should have kicked off with the KLIA Ekspres last year.

Express Rail Link Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Dr Aminuddin Adnan confirmed that talks between his company, which operates the KLIA Ekspres and KLIA Transit links between KL Sentral and KL International Airport, and Rangkaian Segar was at an impasse.

“People can use credit cards to pay for their KLIA Express tickets and the commission rate that the credit card company charges is more competitive.”

It is understood that KTM Bhd, whose KTM Komuter system was being installed with CTS equipment, had also requested for a reduction in commission rates.

Rangkaian Segar chief operating officer Swinder Grewal said the rate suggested was the lowest it could go.

“We are willing to give them the same rate as expressway operators despite the fact that the volume of transactions from public transport is going to be much lower than toll collection,” she said.

The rate for public transportation could be higher because of higher costs compared to toll collection, she added.

Swinder said operators should also look at the savings which they would gain with CTS. “There will be a reduction in the volume of issued tickets, and less monitoring of tickets as well as cash handling.”

Asked about the possibility of MEPS offering a lower rate, Swinder said Rangkaian Segar's sole business was that of a clearing house while MEPS, being owned by banks, might not be deriving its main revenue from such services. She said the delay in implementation could be caused by reluctance to pay installation cost.

Only 16% use public transport in KL, says Chan

From the Chinese Press

MALAYSIA has the lowest number of public transport users in Asia, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy said.

In an exclusive interview with Sin Chew Daily, Chan said only 16% of the people used public transport in Kuala Lumpur, compared with 60% in Seoul, 56% in Singapore and 30% in Bangkok.

He added that among the reasons cited by commuters for shying away from public transport were bad services. :runaway: :runaway:

“The Government is currently looking into ways to improve the public transport system in the Klang Valley to attract more people to use public transportation,” he said.

Hmm...There is absolutely nothing shocking about the figure. Honestly, KL people prefered their own transport. Me myself prefer to use my motorbike to go around KL due to its convenient and accessibility. Nothing against public transport.

I took lrt the other day from KLCC to my house which is 5 stop away. The ride itself took me less than 10 minutes. But the feeder bus is nowhere to be found. Imagine having to wait close to an hour to catch a feeder bus. That is ridiculously insane. :wallbash:

I can understand that too. There is still plenty room for improvement. Imagine you are using public transportation and if the destination you are heading to requires you to change your mode of transport and you've to wait for long time for connecting feeder bus for example. That definitely doesn't make your day :cry:

I can understand that too. There is still plenty room for improvement. Imagine you are using public transportation and if the destination you are heading to requires you to change your mode of transport and you've to wait for long time for connecting feeder bus for example. That definitely doesn't make your day :cry:

Correct. Hopefully, something can be done to ovecome pertaining to this matter

If KL has a cool weather like Seoul, sure more would love to use the public transport. And as for Singapore, theirs are just too efficient to resist :D

If KL has a cool weather like Seoul, sure more would love to use the public transport. And as for Singapore, theirs are just too efficient to resist :D


Cars are also more expensive in Singapore and with all the ERP and COE ....wah.......owning a car is like a house on wheels (actually in Malaysia also samething but bit as expensive only). This factor plus an ultra-efficient public transportion system make good sense for people to commute using public transport. ;)

And Baq is right.......temperate weather does help a lot too! :D

Talking about public buses...you guys should take note on Ipoh public buses..3 words to describe them:Dirty,Inefficient and OLD.
Yup when it rains the old buses will have leakages from the roof.Dirty in the sense that you have grafitti everywhere,spittings on the floor from mucus to phlegm from the mouth,chewing gum...
At times you have to wait for 1/2 hour for the buses to arrive and there are 2 companies operating these buses.Both will compete with each other to snatch customers with dirty tricks like overtaking dangerously on the road and scolding each other and going around the same place for upto 4 rounds just to pick enough passengers in the same area.
I am so sad with my city which I am born in.Bad memories.

Talking about public buses...you guys should take note on Ipoh public buses..3 words to describe them:Dirty,Inefficient and OLD.
Yup when it rains the old buses will have leakages from the roof.Dirty in the sense that you have grafitti everywhere,spittings on the floor from mucus to phlegm from the mouth,chewing gum...
At times you have to wait for 1/2 hour for the buses to arrive and there are 2 companies operating these buses.Both will compete with each other to snatch customers with dirty tricks like overtaking dangerously on the road and scolding each other and going around the same place for upto 4 rounds just to pick enough passengers in the same area.
I am so sad with my city which I am born in.Bad memories.

Hmmm..are you talking about Medan Kidd bus station? I thought they closed the place and move it to a new place already;

A bit long. But worth the reading.
An open letter to the Transport Minister.
--------

YB Dato’ Sri Chan Kong Choy, Minister of Transport

We, the undersigned NGOs, wish to express our concern over the unacceptable state of public transportation here in the Klang Valley and in most towns and cities in Malaysia generally.

We [the 8 NGOs which formed the Public Transport Campaign Coordinating Committee] launched a campaign to collect signatures from the Malaysian public [in the Klang Valley] in June 2003 and their attached 2,170 signatures [a mere tip of the dissatisfied public volcano] categorically call for an improvement of the reliability, integration and cleanliness of the public transport system in the Klang Valley.

We are appalled by the apparent lack of integrated planning, inconsistent policies and operating procedures and services rendered by the public transport sector, causing great inconvenience and detriment to the members of the public who are reliant on public transport.

This situation has resulted in poor confidence in public transport and has, in fact, resulted in more private vehicle owners using their vehicles on city roads, adding to the congestion and chaos [not to mention our notorious traffic accidents] especially during rush hours. In line with this, we view with concern, the alarming trend in the rise in private owned vehicles and the decline of public transport use.

A SAMPLE OF COMMENTS ON THE EXISTING PUBLIC TRANSPORT SYSTEM

A] Most bus-stops have no indication of which buses stop there, when they can be expected, and what routes they ply
B] Buses and even Komuter trains hardly follow any time-table and LRT users end up many a time spending more time waiting for the connecting bus than during the LRT journey.
C} There is no seamless connection between different modes of travel and even changing between the 3 different LRT systems involves long walks, crossing busy roads, getting soaked in the rain, and buying separate tickets.
D] Many housing areas have and are being built without ANY provision for an adequate public transport system.
E] Dedicated bus lanes exist only in parts of KL and even these are abused especially during peak periods when, of all people, some traffic cops direct private vehicles to use them.
F] Bus drivers arbitrarily change routes and fail to stop at designated stops. They are also well known to flout non-smoking rules, when driving, and conductors win no awards for courtesy.
G] The public transport system seems to be planned and even run by people who never use it – hence it is hardly user-friendly.
H] Public transport vehicles are generally poorly maintained [both the bodywork & engines] and very often operated hazardously.
I] Many public transport users spend hours every day just waiting for the public transport vehicles to arrive and have to force themselves into often overloaded ones during peak periods.

WE INVITE YB AND OTHER MINISTERS TO TRAVEL BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT FOR ONE WORKING DAY TO GET A FLAVOUR OF SOME OF THE ABOVE PROBLEMS.

We are also concerned about the effect of the transport system in relation to the air quality that we live in. A report by the Ministry of Science, Technology & the Environment to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change Secretariat indicated that 49% of carbon dioxide emissions [arising from fuel combustion in 1994] are attributed to the transport sector. This figure could have only risen by now. We believe that this [together with other air pollutants like oxides of nitrogen and sulphur] directly compromises our health and that of our family and loved ones. It adds to the localized and global climatic change and negative effects to our natural biodiversity.

An efficient, reliable, clean, integrated and affordable public transport is essential for the Klang Valley because
· it will reduce the already heavy air pollution and the corresponding expenditure on health services to combat the air-pollution’s ill-effects;
· it will reduce the energy consumed per person-km traveled, thus maintaining, if not improving, mobility at lesser cost;
· it will reduce traffic jams and risks of accidents as less private vehicles are used to move the same number of people;
· by making less demand on land space, it will free valuable land to be used for housing and recreation.

Being a country rich in culture, natural resources, technical know-how and aspirations, we urge YB’s good office to:

1. Revisit and conduct a thorough review of present policies, supporting and implementation plans for public transport.

2. Integrate policies and management of all authorities and implementing agencies into a National Policy on Transport emphasising sound planning, smart coordination, efficient management, wise use of resources, & professional services taking into account public participation, well being and welfare of the members of public and the environment.

3. Introduce proactive measures to expand and promote the efficient use of public transport.

4. Establish a Land Transport Authority to coordinate the various fragmented tasks presently undertaken by various agencies and establish within it a powerful Public Transport Department.

5. Curb further road construction and focus instead on improved mobility using non-motorized transport as well as fully utilized public transport facilities.

6. Avoid high cost and high technology fixes as well as bad policy decisions like the approval of 3 incompatible systems for the 3 LRT networks operating in the Klang Valley.

A PUBLIC TRANSPORT VISION

WE envisage within the foreseeable future:
A Klang Valley resident having only to walk 5-10 min from his home to catch a public transport vehicle [without waiting for more than 15mins] which will transport him to his destination directly or to a main trunk route from which he will be able to take a distributor vehicle either direct to his office or walk for 5-10 min. For his return, it would be a repeat. The total waiting period in each direction will not be more than 30 min. In addition, the vehicles he will be travelling in will be comfortable and clean and the fare affordable.
He is able, on a daily basis, to plan, with some assurance, his travel time & route and fix appointments, with a certain amount of reliability.

IS THIS TOO MUCH TO ASK FOR – ESPECIALLY IF WE WANT TO ACHIEVE VISION 2020?

We are willing to engage in discussions with the Ministry of Transport and other relevant government agencies to elaborate on the contents of this memorandum and urge that an open & participatory process, involving all relevant stakeholders, be initiated to seek sustainable solutions to this major Malaysian headache.

We await YB’s early positive response to this short memorandum.

Hmmm..are you talking about Medan Kidd bus station? I thought they closed the place and move it to a new place already;

No not the bus station.I'm referring to the public buses on the road.Really rude conductors and drivers as well.Today I saw someone almost got stuck between the doors...The damned bus driver got the nerved to shut the door when there are still passengers coming down from the bus.Luckily he managed to escape the door if not his leg may have got fractured.

A bit long. But worth the reading.
An open letter to the Transport Minister.
--------

YB Dato’ Sri Chan Kong Choy, Minister of Transport

We, the undersigned NGOs, wish to express our concern over the unacceptable state of public transportation here in the Klang Valley and in most towns and cities in Malaysia generally.

We [the 8 NGOs which formed the Public Transport Campaign Coordinating Committee] launched a campaign to collect signatures from the Malaysian public [in the Klang Valley] in June 2003 and their attached 2,170 signatures [a mere tip of the dissatisfied public volcano] categorically call for an improvement of the reliability, integration and cleanliness of the public transport system in the Klang Valley.

We are appalled by the apparent lack of integrated planning, inconsistent policies and operating procedures and services rendered by the public transport sector, causing great inconvenience and detriment to the members of the public who are reliant on public transport.

This situation has resulted in poor confidence in public transport and has, in fact, resulted in more private vehicle owners using their vehicles on city roads, adding to the congestion and chaos [not to mention our notorious traffic accidents] especially during rush hours. In line with this, we view with concern, the alarming trend in the rise in private owned vehicles and the decline of public transport use.

A SAMPLE OF COMMENTS ON THE EXISTING PUBLIC TRANSPORT SYSTEM

A] Most bus-stops have no indication of which buses stop there, when they can be expected, and what routes they ply
B] Buses and even Komuter trains hardly follow any time-table and LRT users end up many a time spending more time waiting for the connecting bus than during the LRT journey.
C} There is no seamless connection between different modes of travel and even changing between the 3 different LRT systems involves long walks, crossing busy roads, getting soaked in the rain, and buying separate tickets.
D] Many housing areas have and are being built without ANY provision for an adequate public transport system.
E] Dedicated bus lanes exist only in parts of KL and even these are abused especially during peak periods when, of all people, some traffic cops direct private vehicles to use them.
F] Bus drivers arbitrarily change routes and fail to stop at designated stops. They are also well known to flout non-smoking rules, when driving, and conductors win no awards for courtesy.
G] The public transport system seems to be planned and even run by people who never use it – hence it is hardly user-friendly.
H] Public transport vehicles are generally poorly maintained [both the bodywork & engines] and very often operated hazardously.
I] Many public transport users spend hours every day just waiting for the public transport vehicles to arrive and have to force themselves into often overloaded ones during peak periods.

WE INVITE YB AND OTHER MINISTERS TO TRAVEL BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT FOR ONE WORKING DAY TO GET A FLAVOUR OF SOME OF THE ABOVE PROBLEMS.

We are also concerned about the effect of the transport system in relation to the air quality that we live in. A report by the Ministry of Science, Technology & the Environment to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change Secretariat indicated that 49% of carbon dioxide emissions [arising from fuel combustion in 1994] are attributed to the transport sector. This figure could have only risen by now. We believe that this [together with other air pollutants like oxides of nitrogen and sulphur] directly compromises our health and that of our family and loved ones. It adds to the localized and global climatic change and negative effects to our natural biodiversity.

An efficient, reliable, clean, integrated and affordable public transport is essential for the Klang Valley because
· it will reduce the already heavy air pollution and the corresponding expenditure on health services to combat the air-pollution’s ill-effects;
· it will reduce the energy consumed per person-km traveled, thus maintaining, if not improving, mobility at lesser cost;
· it will reduce traffic jams and risks of accidents as less private vehicles are used to move the same number of people;
· by making less demand on land space, it will free valuable land to be used for housing and recreation.

Being a country rich in culture, natural resources, technical know-how and aspirations, we urge YB’s good office to:

1. Revisit and conduct a thorough review of present policies, supporting and implementation plans for public transport.

2. Integrate policies and management of all authorities and implementing agencies into a National Policy on Transport emphasising sound planning, smart coordination, efficient management, wise use of resources, & professional services taking into account public participation, well being and welfare of the members of public and the environment.

3. Introduce proactive measures to expand and promote the efficient use of public transport.

4. Establish a Land Transport Authority to coordinate the various fragmented tasks presently undertaken by various agencies and establish within it a powerful Public Transport Department.

5. Curb further road construction and focus instead on improved mobility using non-motorized transport as well as fully utilized public transport facilities.

6. Avoid high cost and high technology fixes as well as bad policy decisions like the approval of 3 incompatible systems for the 3 LRT networks operating in the Klang Valley.

A PUBLIC TRANSPORT VISION

WE envisage within the foreseeable future:
A Klang Valley resident having only to walk 5-10 min from his home to catch a public transport vehicle [without waiting for more than 15mins] which will transport him to his destination directly or to a main trunk route from which he will be able to take a distributor vehicle either direct to his office or walk for 5-10 min. For his return, it would be a repeat. The total waiting period in each direction will not be more than 30 min. In addition, the vehicles he will be travelling in will be comfortable and clean and the fare affordable.
He is able, on a daily basis, to plan, with some assurance, his travel time & route and fix appointments, with a certain amount of reliability.

IS THIS TOO MUCH TO ASK FOR – ESPECIALLY IF WE WANT TO ACHIEVE VISION 2020?

We are willing to engage in discussions with the Ministry of Transport and other relevant government agencies to elaborate on the contents of this memorandum and urge that an open & participatory process, involving all relevant stakeholders, be initiated to seek sustainable solutions to this major Malaysian headache.

We await YB’s early positive response to this short memorandum.


wah...good man! :okay: ......where did you get this from?

It certainly worth the reading and I strongly support the points being presented! :)

sometimes a bus-trip to kl for me from where i live (subang jaya) would be a big test of patience and MOST OF THE TIME i want to bang my head against the tar-ed and polluted roads out of transportation-frustration.

waiting for bus would take FOURTY FIVE MINUTES maybe?? half an hour if i am lucky or if the stars are kind, 15 minutes. then, it takes HALF AN HOUR for the bus to GET OUT OF THIS FILTHY TOWN especially on saturdays. like i could seriously walk farther than the bus itself in the same amount of time except i cannot bear the weather and my lungs do not wish to take in even more karbon monoksida. so it could take two hours, and you know, you could have done a lot of productive things in that time period, like hand-washing your parent's clothes or making snotty little vegetarian meals. but in kl, two hours wasted QUITE EASILY for bus waiting, bus-stopping-too-frequently's, bus-coming-back-to-opposite-road-where-you-waited-to-pick-up-more-people scenarios, and post-bus face washings.

i would complain about the uncomfortable and VERY THIRD-WORLD LOOKING bus interiors and the heatwaves trapped inside these unefficient vehicles but i want to have a peaceful sleep.

ugh public transport

I've sat in a typical KL bus before from PUTRA feeder buses to Metrobus and Intrakotas...Come and take a look at Ipoh buses and I'll bet you would consider yourself so much more fortunate.

ugh public transport

Buy a motorbike la like that....:D

then go buy a lot of detox health food to remove all the pollutants in my blood :fiddle:

actually i just malas drive lah :/

then go buy a lot of detox health food to remove all the pollutants in my blood :fiddle:

actually i just malas drive lah :/

no wonder la....:D
I assuming you working in KL then. Which part ?

i would complain about the uncomfortable and VERY THIRD-WORLD LOOKING bus interiors and the heatwaves trapped inside these unefficient vehicles but i want to have a peaceful sleep.

ugh public transport


It is because the bus is charging a THIRD-WORLD rate to the passengers.

Bus service in most Japanese cities charge close to RM8 per trip. This is 8 times more than what KL city bus is currently charging. The cost of living ratio between Tokyo and KL (if I am not mistaken) is around 4:1. But the bus charge cost ratio between these two cities is 8:1. Logically speaking, it is impossible for KL city bus operator to maintain its buses the same way bus operators in develop countries do.

Then, you will tell me that this high in cost is due to its efficiency.

One of the major reasons why KL bus could not operate efficiently is because KL population scatters around the city in several suburbs. This causes low people density per area (one of the lowest in the region - I don't have it on top of my head right now). The figure is low enough to cause a problem for a bus operator to operate a profitable route to serve these surburbs.

No doubt that the buses would be jam-packed during rush hours. But outside these hours, the buses run almost without passengers. The operators could not afford to increase their capital spending in getting more buses just to satisfy demand in those 3-4 hours/day. It makes no economic sense.

The Star 21/06/2004

KUALA LUMPUR: The Government has not decided whether to let a private concern or a government-linked company run Klang Valley’s public transport, said Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy.

There was no final decision on the matter, he said here yesterday.

Last October, the Government named three parties – Nadicorp Holdings Sdn Bhd executive chairman Datuk Mohamad Nadzmi Salleh, Kuala Lumpur Infrastructure Group Bhd (KLIG) and KUB Bhd – to form a consortium to take over all public transport services in the Klang Valley.

Nadzmi and KLIG, which currently operates the Kuala Lumpur monorail system, hold 40% each of the consortium, Ready Network Sdn Bhd, while KUB holds the remaining 20%.

No deadline on the takeover was given, and little had been said about it since its announcement.

Chan said the master plan to integrate Klang Valley’s public transport would be implemented in stages.

These stages will include physically integrating the different systems with walkways and escalators, introducing a common ticket and changing legislation to provide for an urban transport authority, he said.

On the shelving of the RM400mil monorail system in Putrajaya, he said it was part of a move to review spending for infrastructure projects.

These stages will include physically integrating the different systems with walkways and escalators, introducing a common ticket and changing legislation to provide for an urban transport authority, he said.

Sounds promising! I hope the walkways would be the electrical ones :D

2005 is soon! So what has been done? ;)

2005 is soon! So what has been done? ;)


errrr......now that all Starline stations could use Touch N' Go? :D

IMHO - That's a milestone! :D :D :D

wow! ALL? That's great!

Another news

Lembah Klang tak sesak 2020
Oleh Ahmad Fauzi Mustafa


KUALA LUMPUR: Jaringan sistem pengangkutan rel awam di Lembah Klang memerlukan tambahan 79.6 kilometer bagi melengkapi liputan perkhidmatan itu sebanyak 261.6 kilometer, sekali gus mengatasi kesesakan lalu lintas sepenuhnya pada 2020.

Pada masa ini, jumlah seluruh jaringan rel adalah 182 kilometer dengan 96 stesen transit dan lima stesen pelbagai modus membabitkan 48 peratus liputan perkhidmatan pengangkutan awam.

Antara sistem berkenaan ialah Transit Aliran Ringan (LRT) Star dan Projek Usaha Sama Transit Ringan Automatik (Putra).

Menteri Wilayah Persekutuan, Tan Sri Mohd Isa Abdul Samad, berkata sebagai langkah tambahan, jaringan rel baru perlu mencapai 79.6 kilometer dengan 200 stesen transit, selain lima stesen pelbagai modus sedia ada, sekali gus menjangkau 81 peratus liputan perkhidmatan.

Bagi mencapai sasaran itu, kajian mendapati proses elemen guna tanah yang bijak dan menguntungkan adalah pendekatan yang boleh menarik minat lebih lima juta orang menggunakan LRT Star dan Putra bagi membendung kesesakan kronik di sekitar Lembah Klang.

?Langkah itu sebagai sebahagian perancangan sistem rel bagi jalan penyelesaian selaras perancangan bersama Kerajaan Selangor, di samping mengikut Pelan Struktur Kuala Lumpur 2020 dalam rizab koridor yang diperlukan bagi memastikan matlamat nisbah 60:40 penggunaan pengangkutan awam dan persendirian boleh tercapai,? katanya.

Beliau berkata demikian kepada pemberita selepas melancarkan Majlis Perkongsian Pintar Pas Perjalanan Bulanan LRT Star dan Putra di antara Syarikat Prasarana Negara Berhad (SPNB) dengan badan korporat terpilih sebagai rakan pintar seperti Kenny Rogers Roasters Chicken, Pusat Boling Cosmic, Taman Tema Dunia Cosmo, Hotel Dorsett Regency dan Petrosains.

Turut hadir Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif SPNB, Ridza Abdoh Saleh; Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Petrosains, Tengku Nasariah Tengku Syed Ibrahim serta wakil rakan pintar.

Katanya, kementerian memerlukan kerjasama mendapatkan sebahagian kawasan daripada jalan atau tanah berhampiran laluan sistem bagi tempat letak kereta dan stesen rel baru.

?Malah ada beberapa kawasan sudah dipersetujui seperti Subang dan Petaling. Kalau tidak cukup, kita kena cari lagi tetapi buat masa ini, Unit Perancangan Ekonomi (EPU), Jabatan Perdana Menteri (JPM) masih mengkaji aspek perundangan.

?Sebagai contoh, elemen guna tanah membabitkan banyak kementerian dan agensi berkaitan dalam pelaksanaan proses menambah rangkaian rel awam di Lembah Klang,? katanya.

Berdasarkan kajian kementerian, penduduk Lembah Klang dijangka meningkat hampir lapan juta menjelang 2020, berbanding 4.5 juta pada 2000. Daripada jumlah itu bilangan isi rumah yang memiliki kereta bertambah sehingga 1.4 juta keluarga.

Ketika itu, jumlah kereta dijangka mencecah 2.4 juta berbanding 1.4 juta pada 2000 dan setiap isi rumah dijangka memiliki dua kereta pada 2020 dengan kereta yang digunakan ke tempat kerja meningkat kepada 2.1 juta pada 2000.

Mohd Isa berkata, jumlah itu amat besar dan sekiranya tidak ditangani dengan baik, kesesakan akan menjadi masalah yang agak kritikal.

?Mengikut Bajet 2005, kadar penggunaan pengangkutan awam menurun daripada 34 peratus pada 1985 kepada 16 peratus pada masa ini, terutama bagi penggunaan bas manakala penggunaan kereta persendirian meningkat ketara daripada 47 peratus kepada 71 peratus,? katanya.

Terdahulu Ridza Abdoh berkata, pelancaran perkongsian pintar pas perjalanan bulanan LRT Star dan Putra menyediakan pelbagai faedah yang ditawarkan kepada pemegang pas yang kini mencapai 50,000 orang.

?Banyak faedah boleh diperoleh seperti diskaun 10 peratus untuk sajian makanan Restoran Kenny Rogers Roasters Chicken atau diskaun 20 peratus di Pusat Boling Cosmic di Mid Valley, selain pemegang pas perjalanan boleh menikmati keistimewaan tambahan iaitu membawa isteri atau suami dan anak seramai empat orang pada hujung minggu atau cuti umum, ? katanya.

errrr......now that all Starline stations could use Touch N' Go? :D

IMHO - That's a milestone! :D :D :D

I also just noticed about that. I used it on my way to Masjid India shopping for baju melayu. ;)

I saw dat day... KL Monorail is installing contactless card system but dunno whether it's T n' G or their own proprietary system!! I saw their reader machine brand... its Iris...

I also just noticed about that. I used it on my way to Masjid India shopping for baju melayu. ;)


How much an average Baju Melayu cost ar? I am thinking of buying one! :)

I saw dat day... KL Monorail is installing contactless card system but dunno whether it's T n' G or their own proprietary system!! I saw their reader machine brand... its Iris...


KL Monorail had the contactless card points at all entrances and exits since they started operations last year ;)

I think it could be the second contactless card that Malaysia gonna have....too many cards already.....can't they just stick to one? :rant:

ANyway Iris is the largest maker of smartcards in Malaysia ;)

Hmmm...ranging from the cheapest quality one RM40, which I really dont think you want to buy to RM500. ;)

KL Monorail had the contactless card points at all entrances and exits since they started operations last year ;)

I think it could be the second contactless card that Malaysia gonna have....too many cards already.....can't they just stick to one? :rant:

ANyway Iris is the largest maker of smartcards in Malaysia ;)

Ehh... but i saw them opening that unit on the barrier??? Dunno why!!!?

hmm....me confuse already :ohno:

Hmmm...ranging from the cheapest quality one RM40, which I really dont think you want to buy to RM500. ;)


What you talking? :D

Hmmm...ranging from the cheapest quality one RM40, which I really dont think you want to buy to RM500. ;)
baju melayu ler

What you talking? :D

I am talking about Baju Melayu my friend and how much you are expecting to depart from you money to buy one ;)

I am talking about Baju Melayu my friend and how much you are expecting to depart from you money to buy one ;)


oh sorry.....sorry.....next time quote me first lah....hehehe :D


Me a bit sesat liao.....been replying too many threads lately! :D

oh sorry.....sorry.....next time quote me first lah....hehehe :D


Me a bit sesat liao.....been replying too many threads lately! :D

Pardon accepted. Me also la..sorry didn't quote that one as well ;)

Here's Starline's Touch N' Go console...

http://img13.exs.cx/img13/561/DSC02102.jpg

While here's monorail's IRIS contactless smartcard console... happy to say that KTM Kommuter stations uses the same model of this console from IRIS for Touch N' Go... but still under testing... that means in the near future mebbe KL Monorail will support Touch N' Go also!!

http://img7.exs.cx/img7/5797/DSC2102.jpg

I found the coin change machine in KL sentral too.Is this machine only in KL sentral.How many are there?

http://www.xpphotoalbum.com/data/500/9797KLsentral3.JPG?9837

http://www.xpphotoalbum.com/data/500/9797KLsentral2.JPG?5315

http://www.xpphotoalbum.com/data/500/9797KLsentral4.JPG?9355

http://www.xpphotoalbum.com/data/500/9797KLsentral1.JPG?8487

I think the coin changing machine only available at KL Sentral... never seen it at other stations...

Friday November 26, 2004
Rapid city travel for KL in 18 months
BY LEONG SHEN-LI

PUTRAJAYA: Rapid KL, which will operate an integrated public transport system in the Klang Valley, is set to give commuters a more convenient, efficient and cost-effective service within the next 18 months.

Announcing this, Second Finance Minister Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop said the service would improve when stage buses and light rail transit (LRT) are integrated under the operator, Rangkaian Pengangkutan Integrasi Deras (Rapid KL).

“We are confident commuters will begin to see positive changes within the coming year and this will increase the usage of public transport in the Klang Valley,” he said during a briefing on the integration and restructuring of the public transport system at the Finance Ministry here yesterday.

Rapid KL, owned by the Government, will take over the services of Putraline and Starline LRT as well as the Intrakota and Cityliner bus services in stages.

The four services make up about 65% of the Klang Valley’s public transport system.

The two LRT services are currently operated by Syarikat Prasarana Negara Bhd (SPNB), which also owns the fleet of buses of the two companies.

Nor Mohamed said Rapid KL would be subjected to a key performance index (KPI) to ensure that service levels are maintained.

The KPI, which would be made public, would include factors like service quality, reliability and customer satisfaction.

“The management of Rapid KL will be held accountable for its own performance.

“If they do not meet pre-defined targets, they will be financially penalised. If they exceed the targets, they will be financially rewarded,” he said.

He said improvements to the system would also come from greater physical integration between stations and different modes of transport.

A common ticketing system that could be used for LRTs and buses would also be introduced, he said.

Nor Mohamed said Rapid KL would be financially sustainable.

“While the provision of public transport answers the common good, it should not be entirely reliant on public funds,” he said, adding that Rapid KL’s profitability must arise from operational efficiency.

Later, at a question-and-answer session, Nor Mohamed said the restructuring would not result in fares going up.

He also said the restructuring had not cost the Government much.

He said it was more a process of bringing together the existing system, which had cost RM14bil to develop, and making it work more efficiently.

Asked whether Rapid KL would be passed to private hands, Nor Mohamed said it might happen further down the road when the system was working well.

Nor Mohamed announced that the first buses carrying the Rapid KL logo would begin operating on Monday between Jalan Yap Ah Loy and Pandan Indah in Kuala Lumpur.

Dutch consultant Rein Westra has been appointed Rapid KL chief executive officer.

Former SPNB CEO Ridza Abdoh Salleh has been appointed chief operating officer (COO) for rail-based services while Mohd Ali Mohd Nor is the COO for bus services.

© 1995-2004 Star Publications (Malaysia) Bhd (Co No 10894-D)

That explains why so many Intrakota buses are being rebranded as "Rapid KL"... Thought what new company was that...

They have really innovative ways to create unique acronyms, though!

That explains why so many Intrakota buses are being rebranded as "Rapid KL"... Thought what new company was that...

They have really innovative ways to create unique acronyms, though!


Really? I've not seen any yet.....maybe I've been avoiding downtown lately :D

Really? I've not seen any yet.....maybe I've been avoiding downtown lately :D

Always "stuck" at One utama right?? ;)

...but why they didn't mentioned bout monorail... is it part of the intergration onot :?

Always "stuck" at One utama right?? ;)


haha...haven't been there in ages as well :D

...but why they didn't mentioned bout monorail... is it part of the intergration onot :?


KL Monorail is under KLIG and not under Rapid KL. KLIG is a private company ;)

KL Monorail is under KLIG and not under Rapid KL. KLIG is a private company ;)

Yuppz... but why they dun want to participate on the intergration :?... it's good for them oso right...

Yuppz... but why they dun want to participate on the intergration :?... it's good for them oso right...



errr....if you read properly Rapid KL only consist of govt-owned transportation companies lah :D

How can suddently include a private company into the integration? :?

Hmmm... just hope they could participate for the good... at least by having Touch n' Go on their stations or even better common ticketing... dun mind who owns the company larr... like in Singapore SMRT and SBS can cooporate... so can we!! Malaysia Boleh wat... :D:D:D

New bus service to overcome congestion in Kuala Lumpur

Come Monday, a plan to reduce travelling time on public transportation will take off.
For instance, passengers on the Rapid KL bus servicing Route 60C between Pandan Indah and Jalan Yap Ah Loy will have to wait only 7.5 minutes for a bus from that day.

The new route will take over the present 60C and 6B bus routes.

Second Finance Minister Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop said the maximum time between buses on the new route will be 15 minutes during peak hours, which implies an average waiting time of 7.5 minutes.

Rapid KL is the company formed to operate the city's public transportation system. It will also operate Kuala Lumpur's two light rail transit systems, currently called Star and Putra.

"The Government is confident that commuters will begin to see positive changes within the coming year, thus increasing the usage of public transportation in the Klang Valley," he said when briefing newsmen on the Government's plan yesterday.

Nor Mohamed also introduced senior executives who would head Rapid KL, its chief executive being Rein Westra, a Dutch national with wide experience in Europe's public transportation sector.

He will be assisted by two chief operating officers, Ridza Abdoh Salleh, in charge of rail operations, and Mohd Ali Mohd Nor, who will be responsible for bus operations.

The Government, in July 2003, started the ambitious project called "Integrasi and Penyusunan Semula Sistem Pengangkutan Awam Lembah Klang" (Inspak) specifically to free Kuala Lumpur of its perennial traffic gridlock. Inspak's plans include creating a reliable and efficient public transportation system operated by a financially sound entity to ensure service quality.

The Edge: 28th. November 2004

Rapid KL on the move

By Yap Lih Huey

The newly-formed government agency to integrate the Klang Valley’s public transport system, Rangkaian Pengangkutan Integrasi Deras (Rapid) KL, has started operations.

Newly painted public buses emblazoned with the Rapid KL logo in red, blue and white were seen plying some of the busiest routes in the Klang Valley on Nov 24.

FinancialDaily reported on Sept 16 that Rapid KL will take over Syarikat Prasarana Negara Bhd’s (SPNB) operational role and assets in Putra, Star, Intrakota and CityLiner, leaving SPNB’s role to build and finance the infrastructure.

A media briefing organised by the Steering Committee for the Integration and Restructuring of the Public Transport System in the Klang Valley (Inspak) will be held today at Putrajaya.

Second Finance Minister Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop and Datuk Siti Hadzar, chairperson of Inspak are expected to talk about Inspak’s action plans.

Among others, they will also talk about the core changes to public transportation services in the Klang Valley and the responsibility of SPNB and Rapid KL.

Inspak is tasked with encouraging greater use of public transportation to reduce traffic congestion and initiate the establishment of the Klang Valley Urban Transport Authority as the regulatory authority for public transportation in the Klang Valley.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy has said the use of public transportation has decreased from 34% in 1985 to the current 16% of the total mode of transportation among commuters; while the use of private cars has jumped to 71% from 47% for the same period.

The Star: 30th. November 2004

Rapid KL to double bus fleet

BY LEONG SHEN-LI

PETALING JAYA: Newly-formed public transport operator Rapid KL will have to double its fleet of buses and revamp the present route network before it can provide commuters with good service, its chief operating officer for bus operations Mohd Ali Mohd Nor said.

With just over 900 buses inherited from Intrakota and Cityliner – almost one third of which are not in operating condition – he said the main priority now was to get more buses on the road.

“There is a severe lack of capacity at the moment as there has not been any real fleet expansion by the previous operators for many years,” he told The Star yesterday.

He did not give a price tag for the exercise but doubling the fleet of buses would cost hundreds of millions of ringgit.

Mohd Ali said he would need around RM5mil just to get the non-operating buses back on the road.

Rapid KL, which began operating their first bus service between the Kuala Lumpur city centre and Pandan Indah yesterday, will gradually take over Intrakota and Cityliner's 107 bus routes covering 70% of the Klang Valley's total routes.

The Government formed Rapid KL to operate the two bus services, as well as Putraline and Starline light rail transit (LRT) systems which it had taken over at various stages since 2002.

Mohd Ali said bus routes would be modified to make them run more smoothly and to feed the LRT lines.

He said Intrakota and Cityliner had overlapping routes and they would have to be rationalised. Bus routes would also be changed to avoid congested roads and diverted to use existing bus lanes.

“We will also have to boost the feeder services for the LRT,” he said, adding that although this did not bring in much revenue, “feedering” was a crucial part of a good public transport system.

He said Rapid KL might consider “satellite feedering” where feeder buses brought passengers to a bus terminal for them to get onto a bigger bus to go to the city centre.

Asked whether there would be a massive redrawing of routes, he said this was not necessary because many routes had been established for many years and were the best in terms of passengers and fare collection.

Mohd Ali said Rapid KL would focus on providing good passenger information through a website, printed guides and onsite information boards.

“Looking further ahead, we will also use information and communication technology to give real time information which will let passengers know what time their bus is arriving,” he said.

On its relationship with other bus operators in the Klang Valley such as Metrobus and Len Seng Omnibus, Mohd Ali said he hoped they would ultimately let Rapid KL operate their buses on their behalf.

“This will enable all bus lines in the Klang Valley to come under the Rapid KL banner,” he said.

Asked whether the current restructuring would work, Mohd Ali said many factors were now present to make it a success.

“Firstly the Government has shown its has political will to set things right. Secondly, the two giant bus operators are now under one roof and integrated with the LRT.

“This puts a new dimension to everything,” he said.

Cool! Mroe buses in the streets now eh? So is the bus service from KLCC to BB more frequent now? I always waited for around 20 minutes!!! Lebih baik walk :bash:

Ellow Guys... found a news clip from our neighbour's online daily...

MALAYSIA INSIGHT

Scrap fuel subsidies now
The money saved can be used to improve public transport systems and infrastructure


By S JAYASANKARAN
KL CORRESPONDENT


OIL prices aren't going to come down any time soon. So Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi might as well begin contemplating some hard choices.

Mr Abdullah wants to balance a federal government budget that's been in deficit for eight years. At almost 4 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP), it's not puny either. At the same time, many Malaysians want less congested roads, highways that aren't all tolled, better public transport, and a cleaner environment.

Here's one way to get most of the above: remove Malaysia's fuel subsidies.

It won't be popular and Malaysians will howl, but Mr Abdullah can take some comfort in the advice Malcolm Muggeridge once gave a politician confronted with a similarly unpopular decision: 'Never forget that only dead fish swim with the stream.'

It isn't clear how much the government spends annually subsidising fuel prices at the pump but one estimate puts last year's cost at RM14-17 billion (S$6-7.3 billion). Diesel subsidies alone could cost over RM8 billion. Now that's a lot of money that could otherwise have been used improving urban transport systems or building new highways that don't require an access fee.

It may have had its roots in the equitable notion that Malaysians should derive some advantage from the country being a net exporter of oil and gas but that was in more comfortable times, when oil prices were US$10-20 a barrel. Even then, the subsidy element usually came in the form of foregone taxes: as oil prices rose, the government prevented pump prices from going up by foregoing the sales taxes on gas purchases.

But at some point, believed to be around the US$30-ish a barrel range, the government has had to actually pay petrol distributors from raising prices - the foregoing-sales-taxes-business no longer cut the mustard. But if US$30 was bad, how about now - with oil prices at the US$50 level? This isn't a minor issue any more. That's Yikes! with a capital Y.

First, subsidies create regional price disparities that invite arbitrage opportunities. It's called smuggling and is generally considered criminal. But no one has any idea how much it costs the Malaysian government.

Directly taxing the petrol buyer is the best way of penalising excessive road usage and winnowing out the number of road users. It's also the most equitable method: the rich, with their expensive, petrol-guzzling machines, will have to pay more. Right now, subsidies are actually ridiculously unfair because it means the well-heeled benefit disproportionately at general taxpayer expense.

The funds unlocked could then be used by the government to do what it should have always done in the first place: Lead in the construction of highways that do not tax the public through tolls, or upgrade urban mass transit systems by widening their reach and capability.

Standout example: the Putra LRT system that runs between Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya, a suburb to the west of the federal capital, is hopelessly overcrowded and simply screams out for more coaches.

Actually, all three urban transit systems in Kuala Lumpur should be expanded. The Asian crisis showed that the private sector cannot be trusted or expected to fund, and manage, public transport programmes. Only the government can. It's time it did.

The government has been saying it wants to cut fuel subsidies for over a year now. Well, just do it.

Quote...
The Asian crisis showed that the private sector cannot be expected to fund and manage public transport programmes.
...Unquote

^^^ Interesting article Ijud......I dun agree to the removal of fuel subsidy as the nation's economy heavily depend on it but I do want the govt to expand all the rail services ;) How? ...well.....they've been spending a lot of uneccessary money on silly programmes such as the Program Khidmat Negara. Funds and taxes should be better managed IMO and savings from there would be good enuf for the subsidy as well as improving our public transport. ;)