Feature image via Canva
In the last few months, we have read and seen news of our public transport being promised an upgrade. For the month of June-July 2022, we see the government offering public transport users free rides. It may seem like a goodwill act, but hey, why not make it free forever?
Just kidding. Nothing comes for free. Ever. Free things generally mean you’ll need to give something in return. Never believe in getting free things.
Back on the topic…
Although there was a fare hike for the public transport system, we have not yet seen a lot of upgrades on our existing public transport yet. All we see are constructions of new MRT lines coupled with new trains for existing LRT lines. However, that is not enough. Whoever is in charge of public transport seems to have a short-sighted understanding of the public transport system. Not saying I am an expert but with anyone’s untrained eyes, I think we all know what our public transport system needs.
1. Regular maintenance of the existing rail lines and public transports
It is no secret that some of these rail lines and public transports have been in operation and existence for more than 20 years. Oftentimes, these public transportations are in need of dire maintenance of many kinds. It can be track maintenance, vehicle maintenance, or just an overall upgrade in the entire system itself.
As mentioned before: some of these public transportations are in existence for at least 20 years or more. It looks like it does need repairs, upgrades, and whatnot. If you are a frequent user of public transport, you can see how breakdowns are becoming a frequent experience. It’s not fun being caught up in it, isn’t it? It makes you late for work and whatnot.
2. Need new vehicles
One look at some of these public transport vehicles, we all know one thing: the vehicle needs to be upgraded, if not completely replaced. Some of these public transport vehicles are so old, it’s even outlived our grandparents. It sounds funny but to be honest, it’s a dangerous thing. Old vehicles need to be retired and replaced with newer and safer ones.
Just because “if it works, it stays” does not mean it’s safe. A lot of times it’s a recipe for disaster and accidents waiting to happen. It shouldn’t be like that and it never has to be like that.
3. Old rail lines have seemingly been forgotten
With all these new rail lines being constructed, it’s definitely good news. However, in hindsight, it does look like existing rail lines have been neglected. Sadly, it does seem that way. The rail lines that were constructed more than 20 years ago are some of the lines that need some special attention.
If you take the KTM, you’ll understand. In the span of 1 hour, you’ll only see probably 2 trains coming through at best. On any lucky day (which isn’t often), you may see 3 trains coming through within the span of that 1 hour. The state of the KTM is just really sad and it really needs to be shown some extra love and care.
4. Frequency of the trips
Anyone who has used public transport will know it has a schedule. The schedule determines the frequency of the trips. If it has more vehicles going around, then for obvious reasons the wait time will be a lot shorter. The vehicles will carry fewer passengers and they can travel in comfort and ease.
During peak hours, you should see how packed the vehicles are. Passengers literally stand next to each other, body to body. As if it wasn’t tiring enough after a long day’s work, this has to happen. Either seed more vehicles or shorten the wait time to have the vehicles carry more passengers.
5. Stations looking like it has been ransacked
Not all of the public transport stations look equal. Some public transport stations look better than others and that’s the absolute truth. Have you ever been to some of the stations where it looks like it has been ransacked? Sometimes, it’s scan-in counters that look like it’s about to end their own lifespan. Some other stations look like they need a good makeover.
Ever seen a station where the ceiling is cracking or falling apart? Or the fact that in some stations where the escalators are due for maintenance? We’d see notices such as “escalator under maintenance” and that sign has been standing there since the end of MCO. It’s been years. Please do something about it.
Bottom Line
The country can tell its people to use cars less and use public transport more. It doesn’t work like that when the public transport system is just so unreliable. How are you going to get to work on time when the public transports are so unreliable? Not only does it stress commuters out, by the time they’ve reached the office, but they’d also be tired.
Lydia is a content writer under Headliner by Newswav, a programme where content creators get to tell their unique stories through articles and at the same time monetize their content within the Newswav app.
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