KUALA LUMPUR: Bus drivers who frequently drive to and from Singapore believe the Multi-Lane Fast Flow (MLFF) toll system can address their longstanding frustrations with congestion.
Veteran bus driver Roslan Seman, 56, said delays at toll plazas often stemmed from private vehicle users neglecting to reload their cards.
"Driving becomes very difficult if there are a group of car drivers who do not reload their cards beforehand.
"Why can bus drivers reload our cards early, but private vehicles users can't?
"The main reason for slow traffic at toll plazas is due to these irresponsible individuals," he said at the Loke Yew toll plaza.
Comparing the MLFF system to Singapore's Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) system, Roslan pointed out the efficiency of penalties in encouraging compliance.
"It should be done like Singapore. If you do not have enough balance, you are immediately fined RM50."
Roslan and bus driver Abdullah Yusof, 59, demonstrated to the reporter an example of the In-Vehicle Unit they used, which interacted with the ERP gantries installed throughout Singapore.
"With this, there are no hassles. You put the card in, and as long as there is money in it, it will be deducted. You can see the balance on the screen.
"The device is linked to the vehicle. They will know if you use it for a different one," Roslan said.
Abdullah, who also regularly drives to Singapore, commended the ERP system for maintaining order on the roads.
"I enter Singapore every four days.
"With the ERP, if you do not have the balance to pay for the toll, the car can still pass freely, but a fine will be incurred on your card.
"It is a good system. Traffic is orderly there, unlike here."
Abdullah also noted the flexibility of Singapore's ERP system, which adjusted toll charges based on traffic.
"For ERP, you are only charged a toll during peak hours. It is free between 9am until around 2pm.
They can do it because there are so many gantries installed and passing through them is not cheap," he said.