WHEN the 772km North South Expressway (NSE) officially opened in September 1994, it signalled the coming of age of Malaysia’s road transportation system.
Running from the northern town of Bukit Kayu Hitam in Kedah near the Malaysian-Thai border right down to the south at Johor Baru, the NSE, which today links many major cities and towns, provides a faster alternative travel for motorists.
In the early days, driving along the NSE was a joy — the scenic drive on the northbound route approaching Perak’s royal town of Kuala Kangsar via the Menora Tunnel, for instance, mesmerised many a weary traveller.
A stop at the lay-by vista point just before the tunnel can hold one spellbound by the karst mountains draped in green. Further up at the Kedah belt and North of Sungai Dua segment of mainland Penang, presents a high-definition view of padi at differing stages of glory. What a sight!
More than 20 years later, the NSE is still the preferred choice of travel for Malaysian and foreign drivers. But today, massive congestion is often reported along the NSE, which is used by some 1.7 million vehicles daily.
During the festive season, school and public holidays the number can go up to two million. Reportedly, during the Chinese New Year and Hari Raya Aidilfitri holidays recently, there were an estimated 1.9 million vehicles on the road.
Despite the measures taken by Projek Lebuhraya Utara-Selatan Malaysia Bhd to ensure smooth flow, a more permanent solution is needed.
This Leader, while waiting for the government’s decision on ownership structure of tolled highways, is suggesting expanding or widening the NSE.
As cities grow bigger, roads serving them should follow the same trend. Drivers would then have more space to move if there are wider roads, which relieve congestion and make travel smoother.
A comprehensive expansion of the entire stretch of the NSE, including exit points, will reduce bottlenecks. It is all about getting to point D from point A, with stopovers at points C and B. And indeed, it will be a relief for the people who face the problem daily.
Let’s face it, road travel will always be a pulling factor, with wider roads, people would want to travel more. Paying toll is a bother but it is not about to smother travels. It is about being mobile — mobility impacts the pace of the economy.
Of course, a good public transport system would complement our “wider” highways — this should be an ongoing exercise, such as providing more train services on weekends and public holidays, and offering cheaper domestic flights.
Traffic congestion is not a problem confined to Malaysia. In fact, the BBC reports that traffic jams in England, the United Kingdom, are “the worst” despite congestion schemes. During rush hour, UK drivers spend hours on the road. A report in the Independent web portal revealed that London drivers waste 227 hours a year getting stuck in traffic.
Realistically, traffic is a good thing. A blogsite on traffic and congestion says traffic is about people doing things and going places — it is the hallmark of a “successful and vibrant place”. And Malaysia, which is well on its way to becoming a high-income nation, is no less vibrant.