Call for an inclusive, demand-responsive transit service

WE read with great interest the announcement by Transport Minister Anthony Loke on the introduction of an on-demand transit van service or demand responsive transit (DRT) service in the Klang Valley, "Transport Ministry to introduce on-demand transit van service to improve public transport" (The Star, Dec 17, 2023).

Earlier in 2023, Loke was mentioned in a report about Prasarana Malaysia Berhad and a transport company conducting a pilot van-hailing service project between residential homes and public transport stations, "Prasarana to carry out van-hailing service with Kumpool" (The Star, Feb 21, 2023).

In the first article, the Transport Minister was quoted as saying that part of the RM50mil allocation under Budget 2024 to enhance public transport would be used to purchase vans, adding that Prasarana Malaysia had been tasked to oversee the operations.

It looks like the Transport Ministry is serious about implementing this DRT service.

At the moment, Kumpool is the only provider that has been specifically connected with this initiative. As explained on its website, it is a ride-pooling transportation platform in Malaysia that offers commuters a faster, more cost-effective, and better commuting experience. It operates on a “ride-sharing” concept, hence the fare can be reduced to as low as RM1 or RM2 per ride, making it more affordable compared to other ehailing rides.

All is well and fine until we read the answer to the query in the FAQ (frequently asked questions) section: Can Kumpool accommodate wheelchairs, baby strollers, luggage or large parcels?

The answer is: “We are currently unable to accept such requests.”

It is indeed very disappointing that the service will not be available to the disabled and elderly commuters in wheelchairs, and children in strollers and their mothers.

Article 27 – “Access to Public Transport Facilities” – of the Persons With Disabilities Act 2008 (PWD Act 2008), states:

(1) Persons with disabilities shall have the right to access to and use of public transport facilities, amenities and services open or provided to the public on an equal basis with persons without disabilities; and

(2) For purposes of subsection (1), the government and the providers of such public transport facilities, amenities and services shall give appropriate consideration and take necessary measures to ensure that such facilities, amenities and services conform to universal design in order to facilitate their access and use by persons with disabilities.

In accordance with the PWD Act 2008, whichever transport provider that Prasarana finally chooses to operate the DRT service should take the necessary measures to provide wheelchair-accessible vans or vehicles fitted with universal features to enable easy access by persons with disabilities, elderly persons in wheelchairs and children in strollers and their mothers.

The company concerned could also look into providing an accessible booking app, real-time travel information and tracking, among others, to enhance their services. Training is also necessary to prepare drivers to serve this community better.

It is important for the parties concerned to engage with OKUs and other stakeholders to gather feedback and input. They must be ready to serve all communities, including the marginalised and under-served groups who may need this service the most.

We urge Prasarana to extend door-to-door service within the service zones to vulnerable groups for their safety and security. These groups include wheelchair users, people with walking difficulties, people with learning disabilities, people with autism, people with dementia, the blind and other disabled commuters, elderly persons and children in strollers and their mothers. This service is sorely needed in view of the lack of safe and friendly pedestrian sidewalks leading to/from the pick-up/drop-off points.

We call on the Transport Minister to wisely use part of the RM50mil budget allocation to purchase wheelchair-accessible vans/vehicles to cater to the diverse needs of the community in order to ensure that NO ONE is left behind. Public transport must be inclusive, fair and equitable to all.

This initiative will be much applauded and will also encourage more ride-sharing and ehailing service providers to do the same.

Currently, none of the ride-sharing/ehailing services is wheelchair accessible. Very often, our bookings for ehailing services are turned down if we mention that we are wheelchair passengers.

Contrary to the general perception, not all of us live in institutional homes. We do not travel to hospitals or clinics only. Our journeys can be from anywhere to everywhere, anytime. We need to take public transport to go wherever we need to, just like everyone else!

Accessible public transport and mobility services will also help to promote accessible tourism. The World Health Organisation estimates that 1.3 billion people experience moderate to significant disability. This represents 16%, or one in six, of the world’s population. If their spouses, children, caregivers and family members are included, the number will easily double.

While this signifies a huge potential market for travel and tourism, it still remains vastly untapped due to the lack of accessible public transport and mobility services as well as accessible tourism facilities and services.

With Visit Melaka Year 2024 and Visit Malaysia Year 2026, providing accessible DRT services will be a timely and laudable move that will help to make Malaysia a favourite holiday destination for accessible tourism in the region.

We therefore call on the Transport Minister to ensure that the DRT, ride-sharing and ehailing service providers in the country take appropriate measures to offer accessible mobility services in Selangor and other states.

Perhaps the Transport Ministry can consider giving incentives to companies and their drivers to provide accessible DRT service.

CHRISTINE LEE

Wheelchair-User and Advocate for Barrier-free Environment and Accessible Transport (BEAT)

V. MURUGESWARAN

President, Damai Disabled Person Association Malaysia

and SIA SIEW CHIN

President, Malaysia Independent Living Association For Disabled

This letter is endorsed by:

1. Persatuan Kebajikan Masyarakat Permata Warga Istimewa Malaysia
2. Pertubuhan Orang Cacat Sarawak
3. Beautiful Gate Foundation for the Disabled
4. Pertubuhan Orang Cacat Cina Malaysia
5. Malaysia Parents with Disabilities
6. Intellectual Disability Association Malaysia
7. Association of Women with Disabilities Malaysia
8. Malaysian Council For Rehabilitation
9. Selangor Cheshire Home
10. Majlis Kebajikan dan Pembangunan Masyarakat Selangor
11. Persatuan WeCareJourney
12. Persatuan Rekreasi Sukan dan Para Atlit Malaysia
13. Persatuan Advokasi Diri Orang Bermasalah Pembelajaran Selangor & Kuala Lumpur (United Voice)