Despite having 23 toll highways across Klang Valley, traffic snarls continue for those living and working here. Selangor alone has 19 such highways, and more are in the pipeline. On July 4, Selangor infrastructure and agriculture committee chairman told the State Assembly that seven more highway projects were being considered in the state.
Traffic consultant Dr Rosli Azad Khan said while highways served as critical infrastructure for economic development and connectivity, they were not a long-term sustainable solution. Highways facilitate regional development, making remote areas accessible and promoting tourism. But their impact includes accidents due to speeding, social and environmental costs amongst others.
Highways and Transportation Sdn Bhd managing director said motorists in the Klang Valley should not be paying to use highways just to arrive at a bottleneck.
Source: The Star Graphics
Internationally the trend is towards intelligent transport systems. Taiwan, Japan and parts of Europe have turned to using the latest technology related to traffic management and it is time for Malaysia to do so too. We need to control traffic using digital technology and enhance the capacity of existing roads.
Then you have bus lanes – the latest is along Jalan Kelang Lama, an already congested road. You don’t need a Masters in Transport Planning to say it is a dumb idea to say the least! Why? It doesn’t solve the problem. Better to have motorcycle lanes and reduce deaths!
Most countries do not profit by providing public transportation systems but Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) and Light Rail Transit (LRT) must be further promoted. Some of the stations are not well patronised and it must be addressed fast. Try to find out why this is and if it has anything to do with the long waiting time for the last mile connectivity.
Simple, straight forward ideas can smoothen traffic flow. Secure feedback from road users. Build car park spaces outside the city. And then introduce congestion zone fares for cars during peak hours.
Reference:
Smarter ways of tackling gridlocks in Klang Valley, Sheila Sri Priya, The Star, 5 Aug 2024
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