WITH the completion of MRT 2, the ongoing construction of LRT 3 and the high possibility that the final metro line MRT 3 will be proposed, the development of public transport is now focused on the maintenance of metro-related infrastructure and the development of the first and last mile.

The development of the first and last mile is being driven by technologies such as the already mature e-hailing, the recently introduced van-hailing, the development of e-scooter sharing and the government’s continued commitment such as the replacement and electrification of aging buses and the intention to hire more bus drivers.

However, this faces many challenges in terms of suitability, affordability and difficulty in transforming into a norm or lifestyle for the commuters.

This article examines the development and challenges of the first and last mile in different modes such as e-hailing, taxi, van-hailing, e-scooter, bicycle and pedestrian.

Cost of living pressures for e-hailing or taxi drivers

Should the government set a minimum fare for e-hailing? The rising cost of living will lead to increased prices (drivers need to earn enough to live on), but high prices will reduce demand, and consumers will face price pressure.

The use of data science to monitor and set prices in different scenarios is much more appropriate, with the flexibility to price discriminate, than the fixed prices set by taxis.

Recent government initiatives, such as increasing the vehicle age from 10 to 15 years, are in line with the increasing quality of cars today.

It will also help provide a financial buffer, especially the cap on hire purchase, which ends after nine years.

Regular taxi drivers are encouraged to use established e-hailing apps. Large user pools in the near-monopoly Grab platform are more efficient such as picking up a new customer at the destination during the current trip.

The review and feedback mechanism increases user trust in the driver.

The third-party dispute mechanism provides a safer psychological space for users in case something happens such as physical and verbal violence.

The use of technology also allows users to know the estimated price before requesting a driver and facilitates easy payment through e-payment.

Introduction of van-hailing

More recently, the introduction of van-hailing has given people another option in the first and last mile.

With much lower fees than e-hailing, van-hailing tries to simulate the user experience on e-hailing by using apps to request a ride (but having to wait at a specific location, like waiting for the bus). The use of technology also makes picking up and dropping off more efficient.

It is difficult for public transport to become a lifestyle choice for the majority of the population.

The advantage is that it is demand-driven, compared to rigid bus schedules, although apps are now available to follow bus schedules live.

The lower fares will be an advantage if people do not want to wait for the bus, or in the near future, there should be a public-private partnership allowing RM50 monthly pass holders to use the service (currently being tested).

From micro-mobility to shared paths

The rise of technology has also led to an increase in the number of e-scooters. Bicycle racks have also been noticed and installed in several metro stations.

However, serious attention needs to be paid to the condition of pedestrian or shared paths that connect people from metro stations to places of work, living and leisure.

Many pedestrian pavements do not share paths with bicycles. They are also not suitable for disabled people, making it difficult to ride an e-scooter if you have to go up and down to cross the road.

The pedestrian paths may also be damaged as the initial construction materials are not suitable for e-scooters. The current price of e-scooters rental does not also encourage long-term use, unless a weekly or monthly pass is introduced.

Therefore, it is essential for the state and local governments to provide more shared paths, bike racks in various destinations, monitor and improve the quality of pedestrian or shared paths and bus stops.

It is also essential for everyone to ensure high civic standards in terms of micro-mobility, even for those who do not intend to use it.

Creating a civic awareness of coexistence

The aim of developing the first and last mile is to ensure connectivity between metros, places of residence, work and lifestyle.

It provides an alternative that is affordable and high quality. It can also become a lifestyle for the people and contribute to a low carbon society.

Sharing vehicles as a form of public transport will be markedly improved due to the involvement of a significant domestic industry and reflecting the user’s social status (for certain premium brands).

The mindset should not fall into a tit for tat, where one mode of transport replaces the other. Instead, it should create a civic awareness that they all coexist. – June 26, 2023.

* Nick Tan Beng Teong graduated with Bachelor of Economics at University of Malaya. A member of Agora Society, Tan believes in policy reforms in order to build a better nation.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.