SHAH ALAM, May 6 - To encourage public transport use and reduce fossil fuel dependence, the Selangor government launched a RM30 public transport use subsidy to encouraging response from commuters.
However, infrastructure constraints, limited service coverage and credibility issues remain key challenges. Many have suggested that the RM30 subsidy be integrated into the existing My50 pass, and for demand-responsive transit (DRT) services to be expanded for improved first- and last-mile connectivity.
Previously, Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari announced the RM30 subsidy would be disbursed to 50,000 residents for six months till year end, aimed at lowering fares for DRT, bus and rail users.
And during the recent Selangor State Legislative Assembly sitting, state executive councillor for investment, trade and mobility Ng Sze Han said the subsidy would start in June via the official e-wallet app NINE.
Following this, Media Selangor conducted phone surveys on residents’ associations and public transport users. Most respondents opined that the RM30 subsidy would effectively lower their daily expenses amid rising fuel prices, and requested more targeted implementation as well as integration with the My50 pass to benefit more commuters.
Bandar Puteri Zone 9 Residents’ Committee secretary Kathryn Wong said: “If they used to pay RM50 for a monthly pass, with this subsidy now they only need to top up RM20.”
But she said the RM30 benefit may not be enough to convince private vehicle owners to use public transport.
“In Bandar Puteri, bus stops are rather far from residential areas, and some LRT and MRT stations don’t have enough parking space. These constraints are hard to manage just with a monthly RM30 subsidy,” she added.
Expand DRT, boost ridership
Chow Kean Fatt, 51, said he has long commuted to work via public transport, and explained that the main issue isn’t just cost, but frequent technical disruptions to the service.
“I live in Puchong and still have to drive to the LRT station before taking the train. If the DRT service is expanded to my housing area, I would consider not driving (so I can) make use of this subsidy,” he said.
He urged that the public transport system be strengthened in areas with insufficient access.
“I hope there are more DRT routes and frequencies in the future, in line with the increase in user numbers,” he added.
Boost first- and last-mile connectivity
Klang Utama Residents’ Association chairman Tan Boh Hock said most residents depend on their own vehicles due to poor public transport access.
“This subsidy may not yet bring a big impact to local residents, but would still help urban residents reduce their cost of living,” he said.
He added that if the government wants to encourage public transport use, support facilities must be improved, such as feeder buses from residential areas to main stations.
“Klang still faces a lack of public transport. Even though the LRT3 is set to operate, residents still have to drive to stations to (start) their journeys,” he added.
‘More details soon’
Meanwhile, Ng said the subsidy is still being planned, with details to be announced in a month.
He added that the subsidy would be channelled via the NINE app and limited to transport costs, with technical aspects still being refined.
“The main focus is to encourage the people to use public transport and reduce dependence on private vehicles and fuel.
“This subsidy also focuses on DRT services to overcome first- and last-mile connectivity issues and increase public transport use,” Ng said.