KUALA LUMPUR: The Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) has welcomed the significant allocations announced in the 2018 Budget to boost public transportation nationwide.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak in Budget 2018 provided major allocations for key infrastructure projects in Greater Kuala
Lumpur/ Klang Valley and across the nation.
“SPAD is enthused to note that the Government will establish the National Rail Centre of Excellence to support the development of skilled workforce for the rail industry,” SPAD said in a statement today.
It said the Centre which will be supervised by SPAD, will identify, train and accredit personnel for skilled jobs in the national rail sector.
“In addition, Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (owned by Ministry of Finance Inc) will collaborate with public universities to train up to 3,000 professionals for the East Coast Rail Link Project.
“The fast-tracked completion of MRT3, also called the Circle Line, by phases in 2025, instead of the previously estimated date of 2027 will be integral to the Commission’s efforts in achieving the targeted modal share of 40 per cent in urban areas by 2030.
SPAD said the government’s allocation of RM45 million to introduce technology-based initiatives to minimise accidents arising from human errors and fatigue, especially for express bus drivers, also comes at the right time.
It adds that they are also pleased with the announcement in Budget 2018 to expand the government grant of RM5,000 to eligible taxi drivers who wish to switch to e-hailing, indicating that this is a progressive and caring government.
“Budget 2018 proves that land public transport remains a key agenda for the country’s development, and SPAD will continue to ensure that public transport is well positioned to be the preferred mode of transport for the people, said the Commission,” it said.