IT seems the urban traffic landscape is taking a beating as a result of high density in many townships. The traffic updates over the radio, alerting motorists to avoid certain stretches of city highways due to traffic disruption, are alarming.
For example, one can be caught in back-to-back traffic in Lebuh- raya Syed Putra near Taman Seputeh/SM Kuen Cheng because most of the left lane is dedicated to buses and taxis. The traffic is at a snail’s pace on this lane during peak hours, while others are caught in a debacle on the right lane.
This exercise, implemented about eight years ago, is to divert vehicular traffic from three lanes to two lanes to facilitate public transport services into the city and vice versa.
In wrestling with the problem of too many cars commuting into the city centre, it was a good compromise then.
But with the phenomenal increase in cars converging into the city centre via Jalan Klang Lama the traffic diversion has created bottlenecks. It has now become a serious issue.
The plan does not seem to achieve its purpose, judging from the few buses and taxis using the dedicated lane during peak hours.
So, is the reserved lane practical? Would it not be better to revert to status quo, and open the left lane to all vehicular traffic? By so doing, we are clearing the way for a smoother traffic flow.
For sure, solving traffic congestion is not easy, but it is hoped that the plan to review the Kuala Lumpur Structure Plan 2020 for transportation will yield results to achieve the 40 per cent target share of urban public transportation by 2030.
We should also weigh in other options, taking into consideration the limitations of our urban infrastructure.
Having said that, the Kuala Lumpur City Hall has implemented blue lanes designated for bicycles, for which we are most thankful.
EDDY NG SOON HOH
Puchong, Selangor