Public bus system upgrade key to sorting out connectivity issues, says Loke

Photo: Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR: The government will keep investing heavily to improve the public bus system as it understands the importance of resolving first- and last-mile connectivity issues, says Anthony Loke.

The Transport Minister said this would include the possibility of adding more bus lanes in cities to ensure their punctuality along routes.

“We are fully aware that bus usage is not popular among the people due to the lack of reliability in terms of timing as they often get stuck in traffic with private vehicles.

“This is why adding more bus lanes will be key to preventing this,” he told a press conference at the High-Level 15th Regional Environmentally Sustainable Transport Forum in Asia here on Tuesday (Oct 24).

He added that while there may be some initial opposition by the public due to the reduction of usable lanes, they will eventually support the move as the bus system transportation improves.

“It is not possible to (connect everything by) rail, which is why investing in the public bus system is a must if we want to address connectivity issues,” he said, adding that more bus lanes were being planned for Kuala Lumpur.

Apart from bus lanes, Loke said, the ministry would also look at upgrading infrastructure like bus stops to address other root causes of public reluctance.

On the government’s recent decision to upgrade existing bus stop poles into covered bus stands at 356 locations in the Klang Valley, Loke said this was to ensure the service was not only cost-efficient but also convenient and safe for the public.

The decision, which he announced on Oct 12, will see an allocation of RM35.6mil channelled through the Local Government Development Ministry to seven local councils.

Loke also noted the lack of walkways and sidewalks near bus stops and train stations, adding that addressing this issue would require a cross-ministry approach.

“When talking about public transport systems, we recognise that this doesn’t just include buses or trains but also the walkways and bridges as they are essential for the first and last mile of any journey.

“However, walkways are not under the purview of the Transport Ministry, which is why the Cabinet Committee to tackle public transport issues was set up in April.

“This committee is part and parcel of the government’s push towards increased integration between ministries when it comes to city planning and developing a sustainable transportation system,” he said.