public transport - MRT

Petaling Jaya is facing an acute traffic congestion problem in almost the whole city. Most arterial roads are already at levels E and F and even beyond that. Due to lack of proper planning in the bad old days, even residential roads are now being used at through-ways. The current council faces a challenging task of balancing between new approving new developments and solving the traffic nightmare. Thus any proposal including the MRT that can contribute towards improving the traffic problem in the city would be most welcomed.
Therefore I sincerely believe that the MRT can be a savior. That is why we see so many residents being concerned and taking an interest in the project.

There is no doubt that an efficient public transport system is the only solution to the city's traffic problems.

SPAD as the monitoring body is indeed going in the right direction by having public consultations on the project. However, there must be sincerity and commitment to listen to and respect public opinion and not do it purely as a public relations exercise.

Currently, our public transport is in a big mess with the general public having little or no confidence at all. Therefore only 10% of Klang Valley residents uses public transport. Why so?

The current system is not user friendly, built and operated not for the user in mind but profit motivated.

It took at least 10 years for the current existing rail systems to be integrated and interconnected. Even today ticketing systems between the various operators are not fully integrated.

The interconnectivity between existing lines is a disgrace. One only need to look at the Rapid bus services and the current LRT shuttle services.

The connectivity between services at Hang Tuah and Masjid Jamek is truly an embarassment and a major inconvenience to users. The link between Dang Wangi LRT and the monorail is incomprehensible.

The Rapid Bus system when introduced assured us of 15mins waiting time for laluan utama and 30mins for laluan tempatan. Ask any user and they will tell you this is absolute rubbish.

The excuse given by the management of Rapid is even more mind boggling. The schedule could not be met because at the time of planning we did not anticipate the high volume of traffic on the road thus slowing down our buses. Secondly we have 1500 buses but only 400 operating because of maintenace and breakdowns.

All these are merely excuses which are also insulting the intelligence of the rakyat. These problems are due to poor planning and management by the operators.

The proposed MRT system will be operated by the same people currently providing our public transport services.

Pray tell how on earth can the rakyat have any confidence at all on this proposed project. Even though we know it is much needed but the rakyat have little or no confidence in its effectiveness.

I propose that much more effort, time and investment be placed in improving the existing systems. Set a specific target of higher ridership using the current public transport services.

In the meantime, spend time engaging the public on the proposed MRT. There is little point in rushing through the project just for the feel good 'syiok sendiri' syndrome. We do not have to do it just because our neighbours have it.

We must do it properly and get it right the first time. We must fully engage the rakyat and make this a project that the rakyat feel that they are a part of it.

The MRT project must be the pride of the nation and not be allowed to be a national disgrace!