PUBLIC transportation is a lynchpin for growth, as robust transport networks spark new economies and spur investments and job opportunities.
London, Singapore, Amsterdam and Tokyo are shining examples, flaunting top-notch, frequent and seamlessly integrated public transit systems to sustain their cities.
However, in many of our urban landscapes, highways flourish at the expense of public transit infrastructure.
In the Klang Valley, especially in Petaling Jaya's PJ South, the recent axing of the PJD Link expressway by the government has spurred residents to seek alternative solutions.
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PJ Old Town and its neighbouring areas seem primed for urban rejuvenation. Instead of embracing the looming spectre of elevated highway structures and increased traffic, the focus should shift towards bolstering public transportation amenities and services.
Yet, any urban renewal strategy pivoting on public transit must prioritise service frequency. Without reliable options running at least a service frequency of nine or 10 times per hour, coaxing commuters out of their cars will remain an uphill battle.
This urban revitalisation scheme should be anchored by a central station, ideally integrated into existing railway lines within PJ's jurisdiction.
Additionally, embracing the Transit-oriented Development (TOD) concept is pivotal, representing a cornerstone of this rejuvenation endeavour. TOD underscores the significance of leveraging existing transport hubs like rail stations to catalyse broader investments in housing and commerce.
Successfully implemented in various Japanese and European cities, TOD models position railway stations as epicentres of commercial activity within urban landscapes.
Metropolitan cities like Tokyo, Paris and London boast a multitude of central stations — think Shinjuku or Shibuya Stations in Tokyo, or Gare du Nord, Gare de l'Est and Gare de Lyon in Paris.
London, too, boasts bustling hubs like London Victoria, Liverpool Street, Euston and Waterloo, all of which serve as natural magnets for commuters. These stations have evolved into bustling hubs, fostering town-centre vitality and connectivity with sprawling suburban zones.
While a fledgling transport revolution is underway in the Klang Valley, spurred by property development rather than congestion mitigation, a comprehensive strategy is essential to expand rail networks and connectivity.
The current trio of rail commuter lines which PJ can tap into — Rawang-KL, Seremban-KL, and Port Klang-KL — offer a mere glimpse into the vast commuter market of the wider Klang Valley.
When developed, these stations can also be linked to the existing LRT and MRT stations in PJ, providing a much wider coverage.
Moreover, doubling down on highway construction at the expense of public transit investments is a flawed approach to tackling traffic congestion. A holistic commuter railway blueprint, complemented by strategically positioned and well-conceived stations, is imperative to address PJ and the Klang Valley's long-term transit needs.
PJ Old Town's locale appears tailor-made to embrace the tenets of urban regeneration and TOD, positioning itself as a beacon of transit-centric urban evolution.
ROSLI KHAN
Petaling Jaya, Selangor