LETTERS: MALAYSIA is grappling with congested roads, exacerbated by a lack of public transportation services and inadequate parking facilities.
The total industry volume in the automotive sector was expected to see a two per cent increase in 2023, amounting to 690,000 units, compared with 680,000 units in 2022.
Malaysia (or Kuala Lumpur) ranks as the fourth-worst country in Southeast Asia in terms of traffic congestion, according to the Traffic Index by City 2020 Mid-Year, and holds the second-highest level of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions related to this issue.
Being stuck in traffic is a waste of time.
The time lost in traffic could be put to more productive use, either for work or leisure, and the stress associated with long commutes can have adverse effects on wellbeing.
In a report last December, the media quoted a psychology counsellor who said that motorists lose patience more easily due to other drivers' disregard of traffic rules.
She said an over-reliance on personal vehicles due to inadequate public transportation infrastructure contributed to the worsening emotions of drivers.
Also, congestion contributes to air pollution.
Here are strategies to reduce congestion:
FIRST, develop and improve public transport networks;
SECOND, create motorcycle lanes and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure to promote biking and walking;
THIRD, limit the number of single-occupancy vehicles, and support carpooling and ride-sharing programmes. Make incentives available, such as high-occupancy vehicle lanes;
FOURTH, educate the public about the effects of traffic congestion and encourage environmentally friendly transportation options;
FIFTH, enforce traffic regulations to deter irresponsible driving, illegal parking and other actions that increase traffic;
SIXTH, levy a congestion charge on motorists who use specific routes or enter crowded areas during rush hour; and,
FINALLY, locate and fix traffic bottlenecks, such as congested junctions and highway exit ramps. These areas might be widened, or the traffic flow could be improved.
Public support and willingness to use alternate modes of transportation are critical to the success of traffic management policies.
Public transport is crucial for creating dependable and sustainable communities, improving the quality of life, safeguarding the environment, and promoting social justice and economic success.
RULIA AKHTAR
Research fellow, Ungku Aziz Centre for Development Studies, Universiti Malaya
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times