People deserve efficient service

THE government’s continuous efforts to improve public transport should receive a thumbs-up.

An efficient public transport system is important for developing countries, especially Malaysia, which aims to be a fully developed nation in a few years’ time.

However, the government’s efforts and commitment would be useless if the quality of public transport remains mediocre.

Public transport users are fed up with service delays, breakdowns and disruptions, and the rescheduling of rail and commuter services.

These problems not only cause unnecessary hardship and difficulty for local users, but also cast the country in a bad light, as many tourists opt for public transport.

Public transport users expect quality service, given the support they have shown for the government’s efforts to boost the system and the recent service fare adjustment.

Public transport providers must ensure that the services offered are of top quality.

Issues relating to the quality of public transport must be tackled immediately and not be allowed to recur.

A good and effective public transport system is one that is convenient to users.

City planners and transport officials must ensure that frequent and reliable modes of public transport are available to all, including senior citizens, students and the disabled.

Public transport should not be limited to only certain places or be available to only certain groups.

All those who frequently use public transport want service that is efficient, safe, no-nonsense and punctual.

Time is of the essence in attracting and encouraging the public to use public transport.

The total journey time when one uses public transport involves two major components: waiting and travelling time.

Both can, and must, be reduced if the system is to succeed.

It is also crucial for the vehicles that comprise the public transport system to be well-maintained and customer-oriented.

This is important to boost the number of people using and supporting the country’s public transport system.

The government should consider setting up a special agency to monitor the quality of the system, which would boost the quality of services and protect the interests of users.