By Yasmin Ramlan
SHAH ALAM, July 9 — Newly elected Kuala Kubu Baharu assemblyman Pang Sock Tao today urged the state government to expand its demand-responsive transit (DRT) service to Selangor’s outskirts and rural areas.
She said constituencies like hers are in dire need of affordable public transport.
The DAP backbencher said despite having its own KTM station, Kuala Kubu Baharu lacks adequate public transport, with only two Smart Selangor buses serving the area.
This is despite Kuala Kubu Baharu’s population of nearly 200,000 as of 2010.
“I hope the DRT service is implemented to enhance public transport accessibility for locals,” she said during the First Selangor Plan mid-term review debate at the Selangor State Legislative Assembly here today.
While acknowledging the implementation of the DRT service is based on demand and population density, Pang expressed concern that rural areas are being overlooked for transport projects in favour of their urban counterparts.
She also emphasised the DRT service should be tailored to residents’ needs, citing the current situation where those living further from hospitals have limited access to public transport and are forced to take costlier e-hailing vehicles.
“For instance, residents in Lembah Beringin have to take a longer route to reach the hospital, and commuting by e-hailing is costly.
“DRT can offer an affordable and effective service to the locals, and I believe it will significantly improve their quality of life,” she said.
Previously, state executive councillor for investment, trade and mobility Ng Sze Han told Selangor Journal that the state government is still collecting data on whether Selangor should implement the DRT service statewide.
However, he acknowledged the state is looking to introduce the service to several routes currently being served by Smart Selangor buses.
The state’s DRT service has been deployed in Puchong, Ampang, Bandar Utama, Subang Jaya, Shah Alam, Klang, Serdang and Hulu Kelang.
