AN integrated public transport system nurtures the kind of efficiency much needed for a robust economy. A city centre, especially in the business district, cannot afford congested roads, and Kuala Lumpur is no exception. Towards this end, Kuala Lumpur City Hall has hiked the cost of roadside parking and capped it to two hours. The aim is to discourage private cars from entering the city, thus, easing traffic congestion. Unfortunately, given the poor public transport coverage, those who work in the city are especially disgruntled. Many insist that the car is the only means to work because their homes are neither near a rail link nor a bus route. Taxis are expensive. Restrictive parking measures are, under the circumstance, therefore, punitive.
It is almost inexplicable that Malaysia is forging ahead to a developed nation status in four years, but public transport, for the most part, is still wanting. Most Malaysians have lamented they do not have access to public transport to get to and from work. And, the increase in parking rates has aggravated the problem. However, a memorandum of understanding signed yesterday between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur for a high-speed rail (HSR) link project may just be the beginning of better things to come for a more efficient public transport system. HSR, anticipated to be operational in 2026, means that the journey between the two cities will take 90 minutes. Hopefully, by then, a fully integrated public transport system is in place to serve the people.
Meanwhile, the interminable journey is the lot of those employed in the city, and if City Hall succeeds in cutting down traffic flow with its expensive parking charges for a capped privilege, they will get to their offices on time, but the parking fees will burn a hole through their pockets. Ingenuity, however, might yet win the day as commuters going into the city car pool, for instance, or even taxi pool. They may even move to an area with an efficient public transport or find a place to live nearer to the office. But when an individual is forced to accommodate the inconvenience in such a way, progress will be slow to achieve.
Fortunately, on social media, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak wrote: “Connectivity, and more specifically, public transport are very dear and close to my heart. I seek to ensure that the government provides seamless and integrated service to the people.” On that promise, those working in Kuala Lumpur or doing business there are asking City Hall to postpone the high parking fees until such time that an efficient public transport system is in place. City Hall does not need to lay rails for a high-speed link access, or even a tram line. All it has to do is designate bus lanes in the city. Vehicles trespassing on these lanes, except taxis, will be harshly dealt with. Surely, when public transport runs smoothly, it will be the transport mode of choice. What of those drivers stuck in a traffic jam because there is one lane less for them, you may ask. Serves them right for driving into the city, when public transport takes one from A to B effortlessly.