THE general election campaign has begun. It is time to talk about the people’s issues and demand the candidates come up with with good policy proposals.

One important daily life issue, perhaps the source of unhappiness for many, must be public transport.

According to the Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM), all income groups experience at least 60% of debt service ratio (debt divided by disposable income) for property and motor vehicle loans.

These loans have become a big living cost burden

In a 2016 household debt study published by BNM , motor vehicle loans accounted for 28% and 22% of household income for the income groups below RM3,000 and from RM3,000 to 5,000, respectively. 

With two national car projects in place and an established ecosystem of automotive supply chain in Malaysia, the National Automotive Policy 2020 aims to focus on energy efficient vehicles (EEV) and add value to the automotive supply chain.

The National Transport Policy (2019-2030) outlines the aim to increase connectivity and logistic development.

The policies indicate the direction of public transport system development, but it is not meant to fully replace the current motor vehicle mode.

Instead, they should provide another viable but high-quality option for the low- and middle-income groups to reduce their living costs and allow them to move in the city with dignity.

Klang Valley has in its inventory a complete MRT complete and a soon-to-be completed LRT 3. It is planning an MRT 3 circle line, a monthly pass as well as transit-oriented development.

There is a need to continue improving financial sustainability for public transport services.
 
Public transport facility owners should go beyond the conventional methods of generating revenue; it should explore the possibilities of investing in property such as hotels and offices that could reduce the capital debt burden in the long run.

For the service providers, the public transport fare structure must be reviewed periodically. Also, they have to discuss fare subsidies with the federal government, and provide better compensation and welfare package for the workers, especially the bus drivers.

More transparency is needed in the finances of Prasarana and Railway Assets Corporation. KTMB and MRT Corp should be applauded for publishing their annual reports on their websites.

Although the public transport owners and service providers are not publicly listed, the government should encourage them to do so for better governance.

Changing corporate culture

The key to a successful public transport system lies in the user experience.

Every small detail is crucial, such as the live destination signboard in the trains and buses, with better live time signboards at the train station entrances, QR-code payment, disability facilities, bicycle facilities, mobile phone USB-charging facilities, and more location signboards at the exit to guide commuters.

Effective communication between the public and the public transport companies is crucial. The latter should take feedback as constructive input. This should come from complaints or suggestions as well as market research.

User’s feedback is important when it comes to improving first- and last-mile connectivity.

Adoption of technology, such as cashless payments will improve efficiency.

Meanwhile, GPS can track whether a bus is operating according to schedule.

Public perception of public transport can change if the companies and the government consistently upgrade the infrastructure to international standards.

Increasing urbanisation and higher reliance on public transport will create a strong demand for world-class public infrastructure.

People will appreciate the convenience of public transport by protecting it from vandalism.

It is hoped that the gradual establishment of complete train transit lines and network in Klang Valley and ongoing upgrading to double track and purchase new train coaches will hasten other improvements in public transport. – November 7, 2022.

* 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.