Monday December 11, 2006
Hike will take its toll on us
Valley View by FREDERICK FERNANDEZ
IT IS probably good that we will soon be bidding farewell to 2006. It has been a tough year for the man-in-the-street, who has been burdened with higher costs – fuel, transport, food, electricity, water and assessment rates.
For Klang Valley folks, that is not all, as they must now brace for higher toll charges on five major highways in the Klang Valley from Jan 1 next year.
The concessionaires of Lebuhraya Damansara-Puchong (LDP), Kesas, Guthrie Corridor, Grand Saga and Kuala Lumpur-Karak highways are seeking an increase of between 20% and 46% for toll rates, beginning next year.
The proposals are now in the hands of the Cabinet, which will make a crucial and final decision on the matter that will affect motorists in the Klang Valley, particularly those in the medium- and low-income brackets.
The current agreement with the government allows concessionaires to seek a review of the toll rates every three to five years.
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One would expect traffic to flow smoothly after paying toll charges but that is not the case at the Damansara exit of the New Klang Valley Expressway during peak hours. |
When the number of vehicles using the highways increases, logically, the revenue should be higher.
Perhaps the government should first compel toll concessionaires to find ways to overcome the bottleneck at toll plazas during the morning and evening peak hours on weekdays.
For example, during the morning rush hour at the Damansara exit of the New Klang Valley Expressway, motorists would be trapped at the toll booth for up to 30 minutes due to the bottleneck where the vehicles squeeze into two lanes leading to the Sprint highway.
It is ridiculous that motorists, after paying RM3 at the toll plaza, should have to “Touch n Wait” instead of “Touch n Go”.
In this regard, the Kesas highway concessionaire should be commended for allowing contra flow of traffic during peak hours in the morning near its Shah Alam/Puchong exit for vehicles coming from Klang, which eases the bottleneck at the place.
Sadly, as more and more highway projects are being privatised, Klang Valley folks appear to have little chance of escaping toll charges.
In contrast, in Bangkok, Thailand, for example, those who are willing to pay toll will have a stress-free journey on its elevated while those who are not prepared to pay have to endure the traffic jam on the old roads.
In view of the higher cost of living experienced by urban folks, perhaps the government should consider deferring the toll hike and have the concession period extended instead.
That will surely be the best New Year gift for all Klang Valley folks.
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