Public transport ridership in Klang Valley to grow five pct annually

KUALA LUMPUR: Public transport ridership in Greater Kuala Lumpur/Klang Valley is expected to grow by five per cent annually from 2021-2025 following various strategies to be implemented under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP).

According to the 12MP document released by the Economic Planning Unit (EPU) today, overall accessibility to public transport will be improved by integrating various modes of transport and encouraging transit-oriented development (TOD), which will ensure effective intermodal connectivity as well as enhance efficiency of mobility and connectivity.

The EPU said continuous efforts will be carried out to improve the first- and last-mile connectivity, particularly in ensuring accessibility to public transport.

"Innovative and non-traditional public transport options will be considered in rural areas, with an alternative community-based public transport system that offers affordable services will be introduced," it said.

The document said collaboration between relevant authorities will be enhanced in ensuring effective enforcement of private vehicles entering city centres, while suitable transport modes will be identified to match travel patterns of the rakyat in encouraging the behavioural shift.

Meanwhile, the 12MP document said that Malaysia aims to become a transport and logistics hub in the region by 2025, supported by upcoming initiatives including enhancing efficiency and leveraging digitalisation in transport and logistics services.

It said initiatives to enhance the efficiency of transport and logistics services focus on raising the capacity of ports infrastructure and services, improving last-mile connectivity, encouraging multimodal cargo movement, upgrading the aviation system and implementing preventive maintenance of roads and bridges.

"These initiatives will ensure processes at cargo terminals are efficient, systems used in the aviation sector comply with international standards, and roads and bridges are in sound condition," it added.

On the digitalisation in transport and logistics, the document said a single-window transaction platform (the uCustoms) and integrated database will be operationalised and developed to help facilitate information sharing as well as reduce costs and processing time.

"These will also increase efficiency in the cargo clearance process and ensure compliance with international standards as well as promote better decision-making.

"The uCustoms will be fully operationalised to further improve the ease of doing business by providing a web-based, electronic end-to-end solution," it said.

The 12MP said measures will be implemented to enhance the institutional and regulatory framework, including strengthening governance and promoting the green agenda. These measures are expected to improve service delivery and enable the formulation of the Green Transport Index.

"A national port committee which comprises representatives from port authorities and operators will be established to coordinate the planning of ports development and develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the port operations.

"The current model for existing and new highway development will be reviewed to ensure that people will benefit from reasonable toll rates, while ensuring fair returns to investors," it added.

In promoting green initiatives for the transport and logistics sectors, the Low Carbon Mobility Blueprint action will be implemented, the adoption of environment standards will be mandated and communication, and education and public awareness will be enhanced.

"These efforts will contribute towards creating a cleaner ans sustainable transport system and support the goals in the 2030 Agenda," it said.

-- BERNAMA