Help improve transport system: Loke
‘Private firms can play role to enhance mobility for travellers’
KUALA LUMPUR: The government wants more private companies to play a role in helping to improve the country’s transport system.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the private sector is better equipped to take on the challenge, and given that private companies use digital technology extensively, they can drive the development of the country’s digital economy as well.
He said the government will continue to support players in the transport industry and is open to suggestions on improving policies relating to transport.
Loke, who launched the partnership between Express Rail Link Sdn Bhd (ERL) and GoCar Malaysia at the KL Sentral earlier yesterday, said the government is aware that it cannot continue to operate under outmoded policies.
He said the tie-up between ERL and home-grown ridesharing service GoCar will enhance mobility for travellers, given that the partnership offers seamless travel from KLIA and klia2.
Travellers will be able to pick up their preferred GoCar vehicles at selected ERL stations such as KL Sentral, Bandar Tasik Selatan and Salak Tinggi.
The packages available include a return trip (to or from KLIA and klia2) and costs RM101 per person.
To mark the new partnership with ERL, GoCar is offering a 28% discount (redeemable through a promo code issued upon purchase) on any GoCar booking at KL Sentral Station when they purchase the KLIA Ekspres + GoCar Package online.
On Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd’s (KTMB) loss of RM2.829 billion as revealed by the Auditor-General’s Report 2018 Series 2, Loke said people must understand it is hard for KTMB to make profits and it needs subsidies from the government.
“KTMB also has to provide services in areas that offer less economic gains, so that also resulted in the accumulated losses since 1992,” he added.
The report counted KTMB’s lack of freedom to make own decisions, particularly on its operations and use of assets, among the reasons for the losses.
Loke said he will soon announce an action plan on the matter.