Motorists manoeuvring around the contraflow along Jalan Maharajalela to Taman Connaught in Kuala Lumpur. The route for the contraflow will be expanded to 4km effective July 3. — Photos: FAIHAN GHANI and MUHAMAD SHAHRIL ROSLI/The Star
THE tidal flow system, popularly known as contraflow, to be implemented in three areas in Kuala Lumpur starting July 3 to ease traffic congestion is just a localised, short-term solution, says a traffic consultant.
Transportation planning expert Goh Bok Yen said that while the contraflow could alleviate congestion in a particular area for a given time, more should be done at a macro level.
“The Transport Ministry should focus on a comprehensive macro plan that covers a larger area, taking into account land use, development patterns and people’s lifestyle.
“Such efforts need multi-level coordination from various ministries and agencies, not just Transport Ministry,” he said.
In May, Transport Minister Anthony Loke had asked various agencies to implement contraflow on three major roads in Kuala Lumpur to ease congestion during peak hours.
He said the contraflow lanes would be carried out from the Sungai Besi toll plaza to the Besraya Interchange (2.4km); Jalan Maharajalela to Taman Connaught (4km); and from Ampang Point to Jalan Tun Razak (3km), adding that the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros) would draw up the guidelines.
Traffic is often congested along Jalan Tun Razak and a contraflow could help alleviate this during peak hours.
The contraflow will be for all vehicles, except motorcycles. It will be activated from 6am to 9am and 5pm to 7pm on weekdays, except public holidays.
On Kuala Lumpur City Hall’s (DBKL) plan for a dedicated bus lane along Jalan Ampang starting July 3, Goh said it would be effective only if more buses served the route.
He said with more buses, traffic congestion would be reduced and motorists would be encouraged to use public transport.He also urged the authorities to prepare enough safety measures for motorists at the contraflow spots.
“Adequate signage must be in place to guide drivers who are not familiar with the areas where contraflow is being introduced,” he said.
Of the three, the Jalan Maharajalela-Taman Connaught stretch has an existing contraflow, but this will be extended to 4km beginning from Jalan Maharajalela (near SM Tsun Jin) until the Bulatan Cheras interchange.
Cheras MP Tan Kok Wai said the need for a contraflow reflected the worsening traffic along Jalan Cheras, which covered a densely populated area all the way to neighbouring Kajang and Semenyih.
“Despite the availability of MRT all the way to the city centre, some still prefer to drive.
“This is very frustrating and I hope the contraflow can disperse traffic faster and more efficiently,” he said, adding that he would monitor the situation.
As for the Jalan Ampang-Jalan Tun Razak contraflow, motorists travelling from the city centre to Ampang can make a U-turn at Jalan Jelatek under the Middle Ring Road 2 (MRR2) intersection bridge as an alternative route.
Those heading to the city centre from Ampang can make a U-turn at the Jalan Jelatek and Jalan Tun Razak intersection.
Kuala Lumpur City Hall executive director (Planning) Datuk Sulaiman Mohamed said it would instal notice boards on the implementation of the contraflow at the three areas as well as utilise the variable message signboards (VMS) located in Kuala Lumpur.
“City Hall will also engage with other agencies such as the police, Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research, and Prasarana,” said Sulaiman.
StarMetro contacted Miros about the contraflow, did not get a response as at press time.
