KUALA LUMPUR – Though public transportation issues are rarely highlighted in election manifestos, Klang Valley commuters hope the new government formed after the general election (GE15) will pay attention to their woes.
On top of their minds are additional coaches and trains for the Light Rail Transit (LRT) and Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) services, which have been on the receiving end of complaints about low frequency and long waits in between services.
Regular train user, Chitra Devi, 54, told The Vibes that more frequent trains or additional coaches would make commuters like her feel more comfortable, especially during rush hour.
“I feel stressed from the crowded environment on the train. Sometimes there isn’t even space to stand.
“Most times, I am standing all the way until I reach my workplace. This makes me feel really stressed and tired before I reach my office,” said Chitra Devi, who spends about 45 minutes on two trains between her home in Cheras and her office near Pasar Seni.
Mentions of public transportation in election manifestos have typically focused on either subsidies for consumers through the pass card or mega projects like inter-state high-speed rail links.
Of late, however, city commuters have been taking to social media to complain about LRT disruptions, overcrowded and insufficient trains during peak hours, and malfunctioned escalators at MRT stations that have not been repaired for months.
The wait time in between trains must be shortened, said a student who only wanted to be known as Adila, 28, who travels almost daily from Ampang to Damansara.
“More trains on a more regular basis would help people reach their destinations on time.”
Adila added that while regular public transport users appreciate the government’s subsidy through the Rapid My50 travel pass, having more trains is just as important.
“More trains will also give commuters more space, which is even more fundamental for us (public transport) users now,” concurred another commuter, Sook Hin Ying.
Commuter Theshvin Rajan, 26, said ensuring regular and predictable intervals between trains is important for him as a bank employee so that he arrives at work on time.
“Late trains, and worse, when they are fully packed with no space, really stresses me out.
“The new government should definitely come up with new ideas to improve public transport issues, such as how to deal with the morning and evening crowds, when most people use public transportation,” he said.
Several other public transport users interviewed said they typically spent 45 minutes to an hour on their daily commute, and all agreed that more trains, more room and better frequency, are major issues they want addressed.
Two students, who wanted to be known as Abraham, 24, and Fadizah, 23, said while using public transport helps them save costs, the time spent and the effort to stand in a cramped train after each hectic day makes it very tiring.
They said the government must also consider commuters’ well-being and quality of life when planning public transportation, in order for the Klang Valley to be considered world-class.
In September last year, Prasarana Malaysia Bhd announced that it would be increasing the frequency of train schedules.
Additionally, Prasarana is expected to receive 27 new LRT trains by the end of 2024 for the Kelana Jaya line. This appears to be the line that consumers have been complaining about the most on social media.
Transport Minister Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong said the 27 new trains would cost RM1.72 billion and are part of the Kuala Lumpur Additional Vehicle 27 project. – The Vibes, October 28, 2022
Additional reporting by Kirtigha Pannee Selvan
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