A complementary service providing last-mile connectivity is one of the most crucial components for the success of public transport services such as the mass rapid transit (MRT) and light rail transit (LRT) systems.
While options such as shuttle buses and on-demand services have been introduced, another method to increase ridership of rail services and reduce the use of private cars to commute within local neighbourhoods should be encouraged.
The current My50 travel pass, offering Malaysians unlimited rides on all Rapid KL rail and bus services in the Klang Valley for 30 consecutive days for RM50, is a good example to wean users off private cars on their daily work commute.
This versatile card allows rides on the LRT, MRT, Monorail, bus rapid transit (BRT) and Rapid KL bus services, as well as MRT feeder buses.
My suggestion is for a similar initiative to be introduced to incentivise the use of public transport for travelling to local shops and commercial centres within a township or adjacent neighbourhood.
The proposal, called My5 and priced at RM5 per month, could be introduced to allow travel within an immediate vicinity.
For example, it could be limited to three stations.
This will wean folk off using private cars for short trips to local shops and also increase ridership, especially for short journeys which would otherwise see low demand.
Public transport operations should be justified by their total benefit, not just direct operating costs. This includes factoring in social, time, and pollution reduction costs.
Zhang Wo Guo
Petaling Jaya
