SHAH ALAM, Aug 9 — The state government’s target of increasing public transport usage to 60 per cent by 2030 is commendable, though stronger policies such as dedicated bus lanes and congestion charges will be needed to achieve it, said transport experts.
Malaysian Public Transport Users Association (4PAM) chairman Ajit Johl said achieving the target requires more than expanding public transport infrastructure, as the system must be safe, reliable, affordable, and well integrated to encourage motorists to make the switch.
“Stricter measures are also necessary, including the implementation of dedicated bus lanes with firm enforcement, congestion charges in urban areas, and the rationalisation of fuel subsidies to discourage excessive reliance on private vehicles.
“Legislation must also be strengthened to protect commuters’ rights, ensure safety standards are consistently met, and improve enforcement against service providers that fail to comply,” he told Media Selangor.
Ajit added that commuters also prioritise punctual, clean, and comfortable services with seamless connections between rail, buses, and other modes of transport, supported by real-time travel information and affordable fares.
During the tabling of the Second Selangor Plan (RS-2) at the Selangor State Legislative Assembly sitting yesterday, Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari said the government aims to increase public transport usage to 60 per cent from the current rate of about 40 per cent by expanding and strengthening the state’s public transport network.
This includes the development of the proposed Kita Selangor Rail Line, the expansion of demand-responsive transit (DRT) services, and improved accessibility.
Meanwhile, Ajit said the proposal to provide more walkable neighbourhoods with roofed pedestrian walkways near rail stations could encourage walking and boost public transport use, while reducing reliance on private vehicles for short-distance journeys.
However, close coordination among local authorities, adequate funding, and consistent maintenance would be crucial to the initiative’s success, he said, as pedestrian safety must remain a priority through sufficient lighting, CCTV coverage, and security patrols.
Similarly, MDS Consultancy Group managing director Rosli Azad Khan said the state government's target can only be realised if planning extends beyond rail infrastructure to address the entire commuter journey.
“Addressing first- and last-mile connectivity should be the priority by ensuring every station is linked to safe covered walkways, (bicycle) paths, and frequent feeder bus services,” he said.
Rosli noted that buses should be given greater priority through dedicated lanes along major roads and highways, and cautioned that the mode of transport would continue to lose its appeal if it is bound to the same traffic congestion as private vehicles.
Ultimately, he added, commuters value a simple, fast, and dependable system, with high frequency, integrated ticketing, and reliable connections between buses and rail.
“If commuters are confident that trains arrive on schedule and feeder buses are readily available when they reach the station, they will be far more willing to leave their cars at home,” Rosli said.
