Experts warn Klang Valley’s bus route overhaul could push commuters back to private cars and worsen traffic congestion if integration fails.
PETALING JAYA: Klang Valley drivers may soon be back in the driver’s seat as recent bus route changes risk pushing commuters from public transport back to private cars, experts said.
While it may be too early to directly attribute worsening traffic to the restructuring, Universiti Putra Malaysia Road Safety Research Centre head Assoc Prof Dr Law Teik Hua said the timing has understandably drawn attention.
“Theoretically, restructuring trunk bus routes, especially long and direct services, can influence commuter behaviour,” he said.
Trunk routes are the backbone of urban public transport, providing commuters with one-seat rides along fixed and predictable corridors.
Law explained that when these routes are changed, public transport could become less convenient, uncertain and more time-consuming.
“In areas like the Klang Valley, where private vehicle use is already widespread, commuters may be more inclined to switch back to cars,” he added.
However, he stressed congestion is complex and cannot yet be linked solely to the changes to bus routes.
“Traffic is influenced by many factors, including school schedules, weather, festive seasons, road works and the increasing number of vehicles on the road,” he said.
Key routes such as 506 (Putrajaya Sentral–Bandar Utama) and 708 (Klang–Sunway Pyramid), which connect major residential and employment hubs, could see accessibility affected.
“Switching to rail and on-demand modes makes journeys more transfer-dependent.
“Integration between modes could help but only if transfer times are short, service frequencies are high and on-demand options are reliable.
“If not, people will be discouraged from using public transport.”
To reduce disruption, he recommended immediate attention be given to operational reliability and communication.
In the short term, monitoring feeder service loads in real time would allow timely adjustments and help prevent overcrowding.
Temporary deployment of additional buses during peak hours should also be considered.
In the medium term, integration must go beyond route changes.
“This means improving transfer infrastructure and synchronisation between services.
“If the restructured network is faster, more reliable and cost-effective, fewer people will switch to private vehicles. But if mismanaged, it risks deepening car dependence in the Klang Valley.”
