Make connections to alleviate congestion
TRAFFIC jams are fast becoming a worrying trend thanks to high density development in our urban environment.
If proper road infrastructure is not put in place, congestion is inevitable. It has set off alarm bells in the eyes of the residents looking at how things are unfolding in many upcoming townships close to the MRT/LRT lines in the Klang Valley.
Walkways and bicycle lanes will be a huge benefit to our communities. The many residents’ associations have voiced their concern time and again, but sadly, their concerns are not pursued earnestly and not given the right priority.
Walkways would give residents more space and they would not have to take risks walking along busy highways and roads.
Residents in Puchong, Selangor, can relate all too well to the inconveniences of walking to the LRT stations in the area.
It seems like public transportation has not changed much over the years in Puchong. With the LRT3 services in operation, ideally people would not hesitate to walk to those stations concerned and just hop onto the trains. Yet, commuter ridership in Puchong falls short of expectations, as evident by the empty stations during nonpeak periods at Stations 6, 7 and 8, and others.
And we are not seeing any decline in traffic along the LDP Highway since the LRT3 project was implemented almost three years ago.
Safety for pedestrians has being a persistent source of concern, and things cannot remain as they are. If we want to get more commuters to the LRT trains, we should look into all aspects to connect them to the stations – the first mile and last mile connection is paramount.
Stage buses do little to connect residents to those stations due to their irregularity.
It would be good if the developers concerned took more responsibility in building connections as part of their CSR programmes. With a little investment in such infrastructure, the result will more than justify their cost.
There is not much residents and residents’ associations can do except to raise these issues again and call for a holistic rather than a piece meal approach to development.
In my humble opinion, looking at the scope of the problems encountered in high density developments, it has to be admitted that there are no easy answers as there are different situations in each and every area.
Recently, our residents complained about the uneven road surfaces at Leboh Puteri. We are indeed appreciative of the quick response from our councillor, George Yap, and all concerned in rectifying the potholes, road humps, etc.
In this connection, there is also an urgent need to take a close look at stretches of the walking path that are frequently encroached by heavy traffic.