KOTA KINABALU – After promises of providing a comfortable, secure, reliable and environmentally friendly intercity public transport system for commuters here, the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project has yet to take off.
Mooted by former chief minister Tan Sri Musa Aman five years ago, the BRT project involved plans to revamp the city’s public transport system and road modifications to reduce congestion.
The RM1 billion project was supposed to be completed this year, but nothing has been initiated, indicating that it has been shelved.
However, a Kota Kinabalu City Hall source told The Vibes that the BRT project is still very much alive and that the delay is due to the wait for additional funds under the 12th Malaysia Plan.
Currently, commuters here take up to 40 minutes to travel only 2km during peak hours.
Under the BRT project, four integrated bus terminals were planned, with only one currently in operation – the Northern Inanam Integrated bus terminal.
Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) Sabah chapter chief Siti Noraishah Azizan told The Vibes that, despite the huge investment, some issues have yet to ironed out.
“Our studies found that safety, convenience, congestion, cleanliness, poor road conditions and the lack of facilities for the elderly and the disabled remain the top concerns of daily commuters.
“For most people living in adjacent districts here, such as Penampang, Tuaran and Papar, a proper and affordable public transport is very much needed.”
Noraishah said while the BRT is step towards improving public transport, she also questioned its feasibility.
She added the BRT would also have to compete against minivans to ferry those living in villages on the outskirts of the three districts.
“Also, most of those working in the city still prefer using their own vehicles, e-hailing services and minivans.”
She said many Sabahans are also looking forward to the completion of the Pan-Borneo Highway, set to connect all the five administrative subdivisions in the state. – The Vibes, November 22, 2020
