KOTA KINABALU – The Sabah government should reconsider implementing the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) in Kota Kinabalu to reduce traffic congestion in the state’s capital, said Api-Api rep Datuk Christina Liew.
The Sabah PKR chief said the proposal was first announced by the government in 2015 and was to be implemented in 2016. It was however never realised as Sabah lacked the political will to achieve its plans.
“The government should relook at the BRT plan as it is a sustainable public transport system to reduce car-dependency during commuter peak hours.
“The BRT system will have its own dedicated bus lane, but it will still be a bus-based public transport system.
“It will change the conventional bus system along the main routes, providing a facility and service to the people,” she said in supporting Sabah Budget 2022 during the state legislative assembly sitting here, today.
Liew added that the BRT system will maintain the existing basic buses as they are still needed to complete the multi transportation in Kota Kinabalu; in areas that do not have BRT lanes.
“This approach aims to reduce the number of vehicles converging on city roads and easing traffic congestion under the concept of sustainable development for public transport,” she said.
Liew said that to realise this plan, she believes that the state leadership must set the right path (or give the direction) for the right execution to take place.
She proposed for the state government to set up a government-linked company, agency, or investment branch under the Kota Kinabalu City Hall to create a business model for the new public transport system.
“I also suggest that we scout for talents among existing and retired civil servants as well as private individuals to contribute to the transformation of public transport. We need the right people to do the right job for tangible results,” she added. – The Vibes, December 6, 2021
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