I APPLAUD the Federal Government’s initiative, under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, in launching mass rapid transit (MRT) to resolve traffic woes in the Klang Valley.
The launch of Phase Two of the MRT Sungai Buloh-Kajang Line is the first step in overhauling the public transportation system in terms of efficiency, reliability and pricing. These issues have been the talking points of people for many years, leading many to shun public transport.
Despite the success of MRT, I urge the government to continue improving and upgrading public transport.
The government can integrate e-hailing services such as Uber and Grab with MRT and other rail services. This idea cropped up when I used Grab for the first time.
My car was in the workshop, so I gave the e-hailing service a try. I was surprised by the excellent service.
I was informed that it would take the driver five minutes to reach my house. The driver arrived on time. The condition of his car was good, and the ride was safe and comfortable.
Prior to that, I was given the driver’s details, model and colour of the car, and registration plate number. The fare was also quoted, which I found was fair. As a passenger, the information gave me a sense of security and confidence.
I can safely say that e-hailing services are compatible with the lifestyles of city commuters, who want reliability, speed and privacy.
There are price promotions by Grab operators to encourage people to use the MRT, but the government should support the initiative.
It should invest more to boost the industry and, at the same time, liberalise it to allow start-ups to venture into the business. This will make the industry more competitive.
In turn, it will increase the number of passengers taking MRT and other rail services, and resolve the issue of shuttle bus service.
I believe the solution to our public transport woes is to integrate all public transport services under one management to create an effective system that can be trusted by the rakyat.
QAWIEM MOHD ZARIF
Gombak, Selangor