BY: ERMIZI MUHAMAD
SHAH ALAM, SEP 15: The Smart Selangor Bus service initiative is believed to provide a direct positive impact to Selangor citizens as it is a public service that is more dominant and comfortable.
Since its launch, more than 911,969 commuters throughout the state have used and benefited from the bus service.
Investment, Small & Medium Industries, Trade and Transport Exco, Dato’ Teng Chang Khim said increase in the number of commuters has encouraged the State Government to provide the best facilities.
“The number reflects an increase of users and we continuously monitor constraints and challenges,” he said.
This is evident in the additional budget of RM10 million allocated to expand the service in total for everyone’s benefit, including those in the rural areas.
In fact, Dato’ Menteri Besar, Dato’ Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali in his 2016 Budget presentation focused on the development of a Smart State which comprises user-friendly public services.
The Smart Selangor Bus service is aimed at reducing the use of private vehicles as a measure of reducing carbon emission in the effort towards becoming a “Green State”.
The service ultimately provides another choice of public transportation besides the existing ones for example the Light Rail Transit (LRT), KTM Komuter, monorail and taxi, in order to reduce traffic congestion.
“The State Government not only provides bus lanes but the bus service also connects all the LRT, MRT and BRT routes in total,” said Teng.
Effectiveness of national public transportation being questioned
However, the recent power disruption incidents that affected LRT services on the Kelana Jaya-Gombak line last September 7 and 9 shocked everyone.
It was more disappointing when safety aspects were questioned when commuters had to walk on the rail tracks in the rain.
It was also more embarrassing when the incident happened twice in a week, ultimately raising questions on how the authorities handled the services.
The same concerns were raised by urban commuters who rely on public transport to go to universities, offices and for other matters.
For university student, Muhammad Afifuin Muda, 21, who uses public transport to go to Kuala Lumpur, transportation systems like the LRT, KTM Komuter and monorail are expected to function effectively.
However the recent incidents were enough for him to reflect on the issues and problems raised by the people regarding national public transport.
“The national public transportation system needs focus on safety, maintenance and convenience to positively benefit the community.
“These will enable the community to get a more effective service for their comfort,” he said.
Meanwhile, Muaz Mohd Azmin, 23 hoped that public transportation system in the country can be maintained more effectively to regain public confidence.
Selangor is committed to improve public transportation for the sake of rakyat
In that capacity, Teng said the State Government is committed to provide a free bus service for the citizens’ comfort and convenience, in line with Selangor’s intense progress and population increase.
He added that the service is also a form of cooperation between the State Government and the local authorities as well as the selected bus company, Rapid Bus Sdn Bhd.
“All the Smart Selangor Buses are equipped with preferred seating, capacity for 60 people, Wi-Fi and facilities for the disabled,” he said.
In fact, since it started operation, the Bas Selangor has not received any complaints compared to public transportation services in Kuala Lumpur.
This development brings a positive dimension in the direction of infrastructure and public service development under the Pakatan administration in Selangor.
Free Smart Selangor Bus more dominant, guaranteed systematic control
