Govt open to suggestions to improve state public transport systems - Liow

The Transport Ministry has welcomed suggestions by state governments to improve the public transport system in their respective states.

Its minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the ministry would always be around to assist and support state governments on the matter, which he described as an important feature in boosting economic growth.

In fact, he noted, the ministry was currently working closely with the Johor Government to look into the entire state public transport system, including a plan to upgrade the existing freight railway line connecting Tanjung Pelepas and Pasir Gudang Port to accommodate passenger railway line.

"We are looking into the possibility of completing this plan. The existing line now is only one track, if we can convert it into double track to accommodate passenger railway line, we can actually have the opportunity to develop the land along this double track.

"The growth of Johor Bharu will be very quick," he told reporters after witnessing the handing over of a Nissan Serena, sponsored by Tan Chong and Sons Company Sdn Bhd, to MCA's Legal Advisory and Women Aid (LAWA) here Saturday.

Liow was commenting on the possibility of having a better public transport system outside the Klang Valley.

He said the ministry also supported the Johor Government in looking into building other public transport systems such as the monorail and light rail transit in the state capital.

Commenting on the recently launched first phase of the Mass Rapid Transit's (MRT) Sungai Buloh-Kajang Line, the minister said the system marked a landmark step forward for national transport system as a whole.

Describing the launch as historical, he said the MRT which connected the existing 285km Kuala Lumpur urban rail involving the LRT, Monorail and KTMB Commuter Service would enable the nation's economy to grow at a very fast pace.

"This is important, this has transformed Kuala Lumpur to Greater Kuala Lumpur... we have a very good public transport system, and this will actually continue to enhance our economic growth in Malaysia," he added.

Liow also projected the number of public transport users in the city to grow up to 40 per cent by 2030, from the current 20 per cent, besides the frequency of KTMB Commuter Services to reduce from 20 minutes per train to three minutes, once the Klang Valley Double Track project was completed. -- Bernama