Malaysia needs a more senior-friendly public transport system

The Star

08-05-2025

My friends are amazed at how I have been able to move around the city and the suburbs without a car. I have been relying mostly on public transport and my two faithful legs since 1998. They say they wouldn't have a clue how to take public transport to where they want to go. They intend to keep on driving for as long as possible.
There is currently no mandatory upper age limit on driving. But as age creeps up on them, the day will surely come when they have no choice but to hang up their car keys for good.
They will have to rely on friends to pick them up or opt for e-hailing rides. Or take public transport.
When that happens, they should be thankful our public transport has improved vastly. The horror days of the pink mini buses driven by wannabe Grand Prix drivers are long gone. So have the dirty stage buses that plied the streets polluting the environment with their exhaust fumes.
They have been replaced by buses and trains that are air-conditioned, comfortable and clean. There are free shuttle buses serving Kuala Lumpur city centre, Petaling Jaya and Penang.
Senior citizens aged 60 and above enjoy 50% off all RapidKL buses and LRT/MRT/Monorail trains. The trains run on time. Waiting time is generally short with an average of five minutes. Women's coaches have been added for their safety and comfort. However, there is still room for improvement, especially for bus transport. It is the weak link in the overall public transport system.
Cater to our silvers too
According to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) and research data, in 2023, there were 3.8 million citizens aged 60 and above. By 2030 this number is projected to reach 5.8 million (ageing nation status), and 6.4 million by 2040 (aged nation status).
This means a potential huge increase in elderly ridership. Has the government been busy making preparations to cope with this surge?
The World Health Organisation has a check-list of essential features of age-friendly cities. The section on public transportation covers various aspects such as availability, affordability, reliability and frequency, destinations, accessibility, and security. How does our public transport fare against this checklist?
Easy accessibility and convenience take top priority. Older people rely on public transport to get to community centres, health services and social functions. They walk to the nearest bus stop and take the bus to the nearest train station to get to their destination. Are the roads and walkways safe for them to do so? Overhead bridges are fine for the general public but a challenge for the elderly to climb up the steps.
Traffic lights at pedestrian crossings should be timed to allow older people ample time to cross busy roads. The traffic lights at the Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) pedestrian crossing stay green for only 30 seconds. It's a mad dash across six lanes, even for young people, what more for senior citizens?
Information about bus routes is not easily available. Instead, there are all kinds of notices and advertisements plastered on the bus-shelter boards, for example, room to let, job vacancies and plenty of graffiti.
At some bus stops, route information is accessed through a laminated QR-code displayed on the board. Think about it, how many elderly have the QR-code scanner app installed on their mobile phones?
Those who do, how many actually know how to navigate the app and understand the instructions and directions?
The design of buses also leaves much to be desired for the elderly. The steps are too high for them to board easily. Bus drivers should get down and help those in wheelchairs to get on the bus. I have seen only one instance of a bus driver doing this. No wonder we hardly see anyone in wheelchair out on their own in the city.
Many drivers are impatient and start driving off without waiting for the elderly passengers to be safely seated.
It is imperative for bus drivers to show courtesy and follow procedures. They are supposed to stop the bus close to the kerb to pick up passengers.
This would make it easy for them to board the bus. They just step off the kerb onto the bus. In practice, the bus stops some distance away from the kerb. Passengers have to walk to the bus. During a downpour, this means walking through puddles of water to get on the bus.
Buses remain a vital link to the last mile destination. Yet they remain a poor cousin to the trains when it comes to overhauling or upgrading the public transport system.
Education is always key
Educating the public about respecting the elderly is also important. How many young people would give up their seats on the train for a senior citizen? They may do so for the disabled or a pregnant woman. But for an elderly? The priority seating sign is in every coach and announcements are made every few minutes, but few pay heed.
Younger commuters often remain seated, ignoring the elderly person standing in front of them. Sad to say, this happens all the time on trains and buses.
While the newer MRT lines and stations are a source of pride, the older LRT trains and stations need upgrading, especially the washrooms.
It is common to find at least two not in use due to water leakage or faulty flush. The taps at the wash basins are either loose or dry. And maintenance is sporadic.
It is the small inconveniences to the elderly that are often ignored or overlooked as being trivial or too inconsequential to pay attention to. But it is precisely the little things that matter.
It doesn't take billions of dollars to make our public transport services and facilities age-friendly. Courteous and helpful drivers and station staff makes the travelling experience pleasant.
Sometimes one can't help but wonder whether our city fathers and policy-makers are in touch with the realities on the ground. In focus groups, discussions, older persons who are regular commuters should be invited to give their views and suggestions. They know what is lacking and what needs improving.
Age-friendly facilities benefit everyone, not just the older population.
Lily Fu is a gerontologist who advocates for seniors. She is founder of SeniorsAloud, an online platform for seniors to connect and enjoy social activities for ageing well.