TO ensure the billions of funding spent on public transportation is used effectively, it is vital to change the perception of public transport from a “last option” to a “preferred mode of transport”. The Malaysian Public Transport Users Association (4PAM) has come up with a wish list on suggestions that should be implemented and relevant budgets to be set.
Continued spending on public transportation
While much has been spent on building new infrastructure, we would like the government to ensure that walkways and paths leading to public transport stations are well lit, protected, and have round-the-clock tiptop surveillance.
Besides that, facilities for people with disabilities should be upgraded and ensured to be available and functional at all stations.
4PAM also hopes more initiatives will be announced in the upcoming budget with an aim to encourage the usage of public transportation and that the current efforts are not compromised.
Budget 2022 saw the Finance Ministry (MoF) allocating RM80 million for the Dana Bantuan Sementara Bas Henti-henti to assist stage bus drivers, as well as RM115 million for unlimited bus and rail travel passes.
The government also continued the Pas MyRail5 initiative for students and subsidised operations costs of non-economic train services in rural areas.
In addition, we hope the government can address other concerns to ensure money spent on public transport is used effectively.
Rideshare industry
4PAM hopes that the government will continue to encourage the local ride-sharing industry with more incentives in the upcoming Budget 2023.
The industry has matured fast and is quick to adapt to new technologies. It is becoming a practical last-mile solution.
4PAM hopes more ride-shares are encouraged to allow competition and fair play to users. Operators that allow flexible rates should be encouraged as it offers users options.
Rideshare drivers should also be allowed to receive some form of fuel subsidy to compete with each other fairly, and provide a fair alternative for public transport users.
Rides are automatically tracked, therefore a fuel subsidy mechanism can be created based on distance. In return, drivers can afford to pay higher insurance premiums to improve rider protection.
We also hope that the government can consider reducing import duties on vehicles meant to be used for ride-sharing.
This will enable the rideshare drivers to purchase more reliable cars or SUVs to meet the needs of public transport users.
4PAM believes with improved vehicles and greater options, the T20 and M40 community would be encouraged to use public transportation.
Public Transport Tariff Review Committee and Public Transport Tribunal
4PAM urges the government to set up a Public Transport Review Committee, whose members should consist of all stakeholders, and be chaired by the transport minister.
The objective of this committee is to review tariff hikes regulations. This ensures public transport will not be monopolised and becomes sustainable for operators.
4PAM would also like to propose forming a Public Transport Tribunal to ensure users have a transparent recourse that is effective, efficient and user-friendly.
Frequently, express bus riders have little room to lodge complaints, therefore must deal with the operators – who are not very customer orientated – directly.
The public transport industry should emulate the financial services mediation board in forming and managing a specific committee and tribunal.
Public transport in local councils
We would like the government to instruct all city councils to have dedicated bus lanes with strict enforcement, specifically during peak hours.
This would improve public transport usage, as well as improve its efficiency and effectiveness.
The recent increase in parking fees and proposed tax on cars entering the city demands for cities to provide better public transport facilities.
In addition, local councils, especially city councils, must weigh the bus rapid transit (BRT) option before jumping on the MRT and LRT bandwagon.
The BRT proposal must be studied and reviewed carefully before local councils receive approval from the federal or state government for funding.
We hope the government will include public transport providers in the “One Stop Centres” for development approvals, specifically in city councils.
This is to ensure that public transport accessibility is discussed and carried out transparently. – The Vibes, October 4, 2022
Ajit Johl is president of the Malaysian Public Transport Users Association (4PAM)
