PUTRAJAYA: "Go for an average sized corridor route and run your trial there before going big on investing in the BRT system," advised panelists during the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Conference here.
The collective statement was made after panelists during the 'The Future of Bus Rapid Transit systems in Malaysia' discussion were questioned what would happen should the BRT system 'fail' in Malaysia.
"Planning is necessary. If it doesn't work for you then you have a big issue on your hands," panelists said.
They added that wastages such as loss in investment and an abandoned infrastructure were things that should be avoided, while strong and disciplined governance of the system was necessary for it to equally succeed.
"From experience, one of the biggest issues when countries want to adopt the system is that they talk about everything in their plan except rider occupancy. It needs to attract customers and people should want to actually use the system for it to work."
The BRT Conference was hosted by Volvo Buses together with the Technology Depository Agency (TDA) and Prasarana.
Panelists during the group discussion included Rapid Bus chief executive officer Muhammad Yazurin Sallij Muhammad Yasin, China's Far East BRT Planning Co. Limited chief technical officer Xiaomei Duan, Malaysia's Land Public and Transport Agency (APAD) deputy director general Ahmad Radhi, Volvo Bus Corporation director of urban mobility Jan Vandooren, and Indonesia's Transportasi Jakarta (Transjakarta) director of engineering and facility Yoga Adiwinarto.
The discussion was moderated by Volvo Buses South Asia manager of public affairs and media relations Sridhar Chari.
Currently, Bandar Sunway in the Klang Valley is the only local township to adopt the BRT system and put it to trial. Operated and managed by Prasarana the trial encompasses 15 buses.
According to Transport Minister Anthony Loke, ridership of Sunway BRT increased by 30 per cent recently, but only after its fare was reduced by 20 per cent from last year following public complaints.
He said there were discussions to expand the use of the BRT system in the Klang Valley, and how Kuching in Sarawak and Johor Baru will get their own BRT systems soon.
Loke added that his ministry was preparing a full transportation report on savings and usage for 2019, set to be ready sometime by year's end.