KUALA LUMPUR: Transformation efforts by the government is the focus at the Land Public Transportation (LPT) Symposium 2017.
Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) chief executive officer Mohd Azharuddin Mat Sah said the two-day event, which starts with an exhibition on Sunday, would showcase the things the government was doing to improve public transportation.
“The government transformation is making an impact towards public transportation.
“Rail will continue as the backbone of public transportation in Greater Kuala Lumpur and the key connection to other cities, while buses, such as GoKL, and taxis will complement and serve as the first-last mile connectivity.
“The government is committed to enhancing the public transport network not just in Greater KL but throughout the country,” he said today.
He noted that Malaysia’s holistic transformation programme would ensure higher mobility, livability and economic growth, adding that public transport would be the rakyat’s choice of transportation.
Azharuddin said the government’s vision was to create a public transportation system that was well connected, affordable, easily accessible, convenient with high service level, safe and secure and contributes towards better quality of life.
He said the government took into account the cost of living, and would ensure that fares were low.
Interstate services and connectivity will also be enhanced through stage bus services transformations, including the push for electric vehicles to save the environment.
At the same time, he highlighted that the Taxi Industry Transformation Programme (TITP) 2016-2021 would improve the industry by leveraging on e-technology and lifting taxi drivers’ service quality and conduct.
With the theme “Reimagining Transportation: Sustainable Mobility”, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak will officiate and deliver a special remark at the symposium.
Topics covered during the symposium include The Future of Transport, Driving Growth through Public Transport, Achieving Sustainable Mobility: Resetting Behaviours & Mindsets and Trends in Mobility: Competing or Complementing?
Leaders, policy makers, implementers and experts in public transport in urban development will converge at the event to explore, deliberate and moderate compelling issues and cutting-edge developments driving the industry forward.
Among the speakers are International High-speed Rail Association chairman Masafumi Shukuri, East Coast Economic Region Development Council chief executive officer Datuk Seri Jebasingam Issace John, New York City Taxi and Limousine former commissioner Mathhew Daus and Hyperloop Transportation Technologies chairman Bob Gresta.
The event, to be held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre here, will be graced by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.
The exhibition is open to public and participants will stand to win attractive prizes through competitions held at event.