Tuesday September 26, 2006
RapidKL on the move
SINCE 2000, Sept 22 has been recognised as International Car-Free Day. This year, Sept 22 was also the day that RapidKL launched its restructured bus system in Area 5 and 6 (points west of Kuala Lumpur), completing the changes that began in January, with the City Shuttle service.
I attended the launching at Sunway Pyramid and was more than happy to be there.
The pride of the RapidKL employees was clear. Chief executive officer Rein Westra commented in his speech that RapidKL's new system gave more choice to consumers, who could now get all around the Klang Valley, not just to the centre of Kuala Lumpur.
Truly, there would be no more need to use a car all the time.
According to Westra, RapidKL passenger numbers had increased by 40% with the new system.
In other cities, people are using public transit more often, and demanding better, higher quality service.
More and more people in the Klang Valley are sharing a sense of awareness and pride in their transit system, contributing opinions and ideas, criticism and support.
In some cities, like New York, London, Hong Kong or Toronto, the awareness of public transit has become part of the local culture.
In such cities, people discuss transit all the time, everywhere. Stations are designed artistically and creatively, becoming showpieces of local culture and heritage.
In some cities public transit companies can even sell branded merchandise showing off the company logos, (think of the famous London “Underground” logo T-shirt), knowing that there is demand for their brand.
To many customers, public transit is cool. We are not at this point in Malaysia, but the foundation is in place.
One day Malaysians will wear a RapidKL T-shirt or hat or carry a RapidKL umbrella with pride, and this may be sooner than you think.
MOAZ YUSUF AHMAD,
Subang Jaya.
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