Public Transport

It is pleased to know that our Prime Minister took the KTM Commuter and LRT yesterday morning to find out the services of our rail system. It was reported that PM is not too happy with the services and pledged that he would give attention to improve the rail service.

It is nothing new as the Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affair and the former Minister of Housing and Local Government tried the services early of the year and commented that the rail service needs urgent improvement. Even the Minister of Transport talked about KTM service a day earlier.

Again, all these have been known to the layman, the man with only public transport to rely on for daily commuting. Of course, the newcomers whom shifted to public transport after the recent fuel hike felt the same.

Problems like train delay, infrequent service, coaches are packed like sardine, unfriendly and safety in doubt walkway leading to the station, unreliable of feeder service, of time over charge of taxi service etc. People have voiced out their grievances again and again, but no major improvement have been done for an efficient public transport.

Perhaps things can only change for better if our VVIP are taking public transport to work, to shop, to live and to leisure regularly and quietly. Once it is noticed by those related to the industry, an efficient service might be there for us to enjoy.

An integrated public transport system focusing on the quality and quantity is critical. Making trip generation starting from door step as efficient and pleasant as possible will encourage the shift of mode of transport from private to public. I believe people including the blue collar and office workers do not might to take public transport to work if the service is reliable, efficient and affordable.

Also imposing heavy cost through taxation system for the private motorised trip generation should be considered. Lesser cars on the road is also meant reduction of CO2 and thus our environment. However, this option is possible if only the public transport system is there and efficient.

I believe that the presence of PM in the station signalises that improvement for an efficient public transport system is in the pipeline. I hope the time will come the soonest possible for us to have a good choice of commuting.

For the time being, life comes back to the normal and as usual for the commuters.