Localised travel pass could reduce private vehicle use in Klang Valley
A complementary service providing last-mile connectivity is one of the most crucial components for the success of public transport services such as the mass rapid transit (MRT) and light rail transit (LRT) systems.
While options such as shuttle buses and on-demand services have been introduced, another method to increase ridership of rail services and reduce the use of private cars to commute within local neighbourhoods should be encouraged.
The current My50 travel pass, offering Malaysians unlimited rides on all Rapid KL rail and bus services in the Klang Valley for 30 consecutive days for RM50, is a good example to wean users off private cars on their daily work commute.
This versatile card allows rides on the LRT, MRT, Monorail, bus rapid transit (BRT) and Rapid KL bus services, as well as MRT feeder buses.
My suggestion is for a similar initiative to be introduced to incentivise the use of public transport for travelling to local shops and commercial centres within a township or adjacent neighbourhood.
The proposal, called My5 and priced at RM5 per month, could be introduced to allow travel within an immediate vicinity.
For example, it could be limited to three stations.
This will wean folk off using private cars for short trips to local shops and also increase ridership, especially for short journeys which would otherwise see low demand.
Public transport operations should be justified by their total benefit, not just direct operating costs. This includes factoring in social, time, and pollution reduction costs.
Zhang Wo Guo
Petaling Jaya
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
40 minutes ago
- New Straits Times
Panasonic bolsters position in air conditioning market in Malaysia
SHAH ALAM: Panasonic is strengthening its position in Malaysia's air conditioning market by continuing to prioritise Japanese quality standards. It is also responding to evolving consumer needs particularly the demand for healthier indoor environments and greater energy efficiency. Panasonic Air-Conditioning Malaysia chief operating officer Dai Nishi said Malaysians are becoming more aware of how indoor air quality impacts health and wellbeing. This shift has led to greater demand for air conditioning units that offer more than just cooling. "Consumers are now looking for products that can help reduce exposure to airborne bacteria and viruses, as well as improve energy savings, especially in light of increasing electricity tariffs. "Energy efficiency is a major concern for Malaysians today, especially as electricity costs rise. "People are actively seeking inverter air conditioners to help them manage these costs," Nishi said. He noted that market research from GFK Malaysia in May showed that inverter air conditioners now make up more than 55 per cent of unit sales, a figure expected to grow further as consumers prioritise energy savings alongside comfort. "The demand is expected to continue to grow with the recent new electricity tariff announcement and Panasonic is responding to these trends by offering holistic solutions like the new X-Premium inverter series," he said. To meet these expectations, Panasonic continues to emphasise Japanese quality standards, even in products manufactured locally in Malaysia. Panasonic regional HVAC director Daisuke Hara said the company applies strict quality control measures across all its factories, regardless of country. "Whether we produce in Japan, Malaysia or Europe, we never compromise on our standards. This commitment to quality is part of our mindset and is reflected in every product," Hara said. Panasonic Malaysia recently launched its latest product, the X-Premium Inverter Series, designed to help Malaysians enjoy cleaner, healthier, and more energy-efficient homes featuring nanoe X technology. It also includes smart sensors that monitor dust and odours, along with a Clean Air Indicator to show air quality levels in real-time. It also offers up to 58 per cent energy savings compared to older, non-inverter models, aligning with the growing demand for energy-efficient solutions.
Barnama
2 hours ago
- Barnama
Prudential Unveils Pruelite Flex To Build Wealth And Support Legacy Planning
KUALA LUMPUR, July 15 (Bernama) -- Prudential Assurance Malaysia Berhad (PAMB) has launched PRUElite Flex, a first-in-market insurance solution designed to help Malaysians build wealth, secure a steady retirement income and transfer assets effortlessly to the next generation. The plan offers a guaranteed annual payout, FlexIncome, up to age 100, along with a lump sum maturity benefit of up to 1,500 percent of the annual premium. Customers have the flexibility to receive their payouts in cash, reinvest them in professionally managed funds, or choose a combination of both. Meanwhile, PAMB Chief Marketing and Partnerships Distribution Officer Eric Wong said PRUElite Flex meets Malaysians' evolving financial needs while supporting legacy planning through its innovative Policy Split Option feature. 'As Malaysians increasingly live longer, they're rethinking how they shape their futures and their families' futures. They want financial solutions that grow with them, adapt to their changing needs, and help them leave a meaningful legacy. 'What truly sets PRUElite Flex apart is its Policy Split Option, a pioneering feature in Malaysia that allows customers to split their original policy into multiple individual policies, enabling a seamless and structured transfer of wealth to children, grandchildren or other loved ones across generations,' added Wong. PAMB noted that Malaysia is on track to become an aged society by 2040, with 14.5 percent of the population expected to be 65 and older. This demographic shift, combined with rising life expectancy, signals the need for more forward-looking financial strategies. 'Longer life expectancy and shifting family dynamics mean Malaysians are no longer planning just for a fulfilling retirement, but also thinking ahead for their children, grandchildren and beyond. 'Many are finding that traditional financial solutions have not kept pace with these evolving needs. As a result, families and individuals alike are left navigating how best to grow, protect and transfer wealth across lifetimes,' said Wong.
Borneo Post
2 hours ago
- Borneo Post
Anwar's secret announcement will bring joy to Malaysians, civil servants, says govt chief secretary
Shamsul declined to elaborate further, saying the initiative was a 'surprise' and fully under wraps. – Bernama photo KUALA LUMPUR (July 15): Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar today said that the upcoming announcement by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is expected to bring joy to Malaysians, including civil servants. According to a report in Harian Metro , Shamsul declined to elaborate further, saying the initiative was a 'surprise' and fully under wraps. 'If it's for the public, they'll be happy. If it's for civil servants, they'll be happy too, Allah willing,' he was quoted as saying. Yesterday, Anwar hinted on Facebook that a special 'appreciation' for the people would be announced soon. The post included the slogan 'Bersama Malaysiaku' (with my Malaysia). No official date for the announcement has been shared. – Malay Mail anwar ibrahim lead secret announcement Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar
