Budget 2025 must ensure all cities, towns have accessible public transport

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By R Dineskumar/Scoop

The upcoming Budget 2025, set to be unveiled on October 18, should prioritise the creation of affordable and accessible public transport across the nation, according to transport consultant Rosli Azad Khan.

Rosli told Scoop that Malaysia’s heavy reliance on private vehicles has exacerbated traffic congestion, pollution and the cost of living.

He emphasised the need for the government to redirect its efforts towards developing efficient public transport systems in all towns and cities.

These systems not only reduce congestion but also lessen environmental impact and provide affordable commuting options for all income groups, he said

Rosli urged Putrajaya to recognise that equitable distribution of public transport funding across all cities and towns can only be achieved through annual budgets.

He highlighted the RM10.5bn allocation for a light rail transit (LRT) project in Penang, a state he argued that does not urgently require such a system, as an example of funding imbalance.

“Meanwhile, many other cities and towns, like Johor Bahru and Kota Kinabalu, which face far greater transport challenges, receive little or no funding.

“(Therefore) the government must adopt a more balanced approach (by) ensuring that all regions have access to the infrastructure they need, based on actual demand and necessity, rather than political or regional favouritism,” he told Scoop.

Additionally, Rosli suggested that Budget 2025 should consider more cost-effective public transport solutions, such as the bus rapid transit (BRT) system or autonomous rail rapid transit (ART), which was recently tested in Putrajaya.

He asserted that BRT systems can be constructed more swiftly and at a fraction of the cost of LRT systems while still offering similar benefits in terms of mobility and congestion reduction.

READ MORE:  LRT project set to worsen Penang Island’s road congestion

“By overlooking these affordable options, the government risks overspending and potentially delaying solutions that could be implemented faster and with more widespread benefit,” he added.

More ferries and buses for Penang

Zulfikar Aziz of the Penang Public Transport Users Association (Petua) expressed hopes that the annual budget will include provisions for two additional ferries, similar to those currently in service, to expand the state’s ferry routes and use the readily available seaway.

He also called for funding for the construction of new ferry jetties in the state and for the purchase of 250 buses for Rapid Penang to enhance public bus services.

Zulfikar explained that Rapid Penang currently operates with fewer than 250 buses, while the state requires a minimum of 1,000 to effectively serve its population of about 1.8 million.

He further advocated for Budget 2025 to prioritise the expansion of first-and-last-mile services through demand-responsive transit or other modes. He also urged for allocations to develop pedestrian and bicycle facilities, creating safe pathways, bicycle parking and functional bus stops in Penang.

“These ‘goodies’ mentioned are a proven public transport solution, which was in place in Penang state until about 40 years ago.

“All that is needed is to empower those previous public transport modes and make them better (by) using advancements in technology in the public transport system,” he told Scoop. – Scoop

The views expressed in Aliran's media statements and the NGO statements we have endorsed reflect Aliran's official stand. Views and opinions expressed in other pieces published here do not necessarily reflect Aliran's official position.
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