KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Public Transport Users Association (4PAM) today called on the government to allocate funds to ensure safety and comfort at public transport stations.
Its president, Ajit Johl, said while a lot had been spent on building new infrastructure, the association hoped the government would ensure that the walkways and paths leading to all public transport stations would be well lit, with improved surveillance and upgraded facilities for the disabled.
"To ensure the billions spent on public transport is used effectively, it is vital to change the perception of public transportation from a 'last option' to a 'preferred mode of transport'.
"4PAM hopes more initiatives will be announced in the upcoming budget aimed to encourage more users of public transportation. We hope the current efforts are not compromised," he said in a statement today.
In the 2022 Budget, the government had allocated RM80 million for the Interim Stage Bus Support Fund (ISBSF) through the Land Public Transport Agency (Apad).
It also allocated RM115 million for unlimited bus and rail travel pass, and continued the Pas MyRail5 initiative for students and the subsidy for operation costs of non-economic train services in rural areas.
Ajit said the 2023 Budget should continue encouraging the local ride-sharing industry by providing more incentives, as ride-sharing had become a practical last-mile solution.
"Ride-share drivers should also be allowed to receive some form of fuel subsidy, to compete and provide a fair alternative for public transport users.
"The government should also consider reducing the import duty on vehicles that are meant to be used for ride-sharing," he said, adding that this would enable ride-share drivers to buy better and more reliable vehicles to meet the demands of commuters.
4PAM, he said, urged the government to set up a Public Transport Review Committee to review tariff hikes regulations, ensuring that public transport is not monopolised and is sustainable for the operator.
He also proposed the creation of Public Transport Tribunal to ensure users would have a transparent recourse that was effective, efficient and user-friendly.
Ajit suggested the government should instruct city councils to have dedicated bus lanes with strict enforcements, specifically during peak hours.
This, he added, would improve public transport usage, improve efficiency and effectiveness.
"The recent increase in parking fees and the proposed tax on cars entering the city, demands that cities provide better public transport facilities.
"In addition, local councils, especially city councils must weigh the BRT (bus rapid transit) option before jumping on the mass rapid transit and light rail transit bandwagon.
"The BRT proposal must be studied and reviewed carefully before the local councils get any approval from federal or state governments for funding," he added.
He also hoped the government would include public transport providers in the "One Stop Centres" for development approvals, specifically in the city councils, to ensure that public transport accessibility could be discussed and carried out transparently.