Why smart lanes cannot outrun highway jams

Traffic builds up at Gombak Toll Plaza as motorists return home after the long holiday break. The photo, taken around 3.30pm, shows congestion continuing even past the toll area, with vehicles moving slowly. Authorities advise road users to plan ahead as post-holiday traffic remains heavy along major routes. (Sept 16 2025) — ART CHEN/The Star

MALAYSIANS brace themselves for the inevitable highway crawl every festive season and long weekend. It is a familiar ritual: hours spent in bumper-to-bumper traffic, restless children in the back seat and navigation apps confirming what we already know – the North-South and East Coast Expressways are overwhelmed. Despite planning and patience, the gridlock seems unavoidable.

To ease this congestion, PLUS Malaysia has introduced so-called “smart lanes”. These are the emergency shoulders temporarily opened to regular traffic when jams become severe. The logic is simple – add an extra lane and the highway should be able to carry more vehicles.