Big on providing better connectivity
The Government is providing more options, and more and more commuters are abandoning their cars in favour of these options.
A WELL-THOUGHT-OUT and executed urban public transport (UPT) system is key to moving a country forward. It provides greater efficiency in an economy, minimises traffic congestion in a city and more importantly, increases productivity.
Our journey to enhance our UPT began in 2009, aiming to decongest the central business district in the city, improve existing systems, and build new transport infrastructure that provides more convenience to commuters.
At that time, the challenge we had was not just catering to the growing urbanisation in the Greater Kuala Lumpur/ Klang Valley (Greater KL/KV) region, but also the need to connect to areas far away from the city, where most commuters reside.
I am, however, pleased to say that we have been progressing well and sustainably.
Our public transport modal share (usage rate), for instance, has increased from 10% in 2009 to 20% at the end of 2015. We have also seen a great increase in the morning peak urban public transport ridership in the Greater KL/KV area – from 236,412 in 2010 to 435,439 in 2016.
Most recently, in a Land Public Transport Commission poll conducted by an independent party, 84% of public transport users have voiced their satisfaction with the country’s public transport services.
In view of the upcoming launch of the National Transport Plan 2016 Annual Report, I would like to take this opportunity to highlight some of the key areas on which we have worked hard for the past year, and how they have positively contributed to our city.
Providing more and better options
With the population of the Greater KL/KV region expected to reach 10 million by 2020, we can expect increased traffic congestion in our city.
This causes not only inconvenience and frustration, but also results in huge economic losses.