Ding says the government should increase the MRT network.
CONTRAFLOW lanes may not do much to improve the quality of lives of road users who have to brace for the rush-hour traffic during their daily commute to work.
Groups say a long-term solution for a better and well-connected public transport system should be priority.
SME Association of Malaysia president Ding Hong Sing said while the three contraflow lanes to be implemented in Kuala Lumpur effective July 3 might ease congestion for working folk who commute during peak hours and save them 15 to 20 minutes, its impact might not be significant.
“It may improve productivity a little bit but not in a significant way.
“After two years, there will be more vehicles on the road and the traffic will still be bad.
“Instead, the government should increase the network of mass rapid transit (MRT) service, especially underground, like the metro train systems in Shanghai and Singapore,” he said, adding that underground metro trains were better as it would not lead to traffic congestion compared to roads.
Ding said a well-connected public transport system with more train stations could convince some 60% to 70% of motorists to use public transport instead of driving.
He said that at this juncture, road users might have to leave their homes hours in advance to beat traffic congestion and get to work on time.
“If there are more MRT routes, they can take the time to relax on their commute or even catch up on sleep.
“Imagine being stuck on the road for one-and-a-half hours and then feeling tired by the time work starts.
“It affects productivity,” he said.
While acknowledging that contraflow lanes had some benefits, such as shaving off 15 to 20 minutes from commuters’ journey, Ding said it would not solve the problem in the long run.
He said most people currently still opted to drive as it was also difficult to find parking at train stations.
“The parking spots are not enough.
“There must be more multi-storey parking complexes,” he added.
Malaysian Road and Transportation Safety Association (MRTSA) president Nik Mohd Salim Nik Mohd Salleh said contraflow lanes during peak hours would benefit road users commuting to work as it reduces stress.
Traffic congestion wastes time and money because of higher fuel consumption, which in turn affects the environment, he said.
“Public transport can effectively help to ease congestion during peak hours, but the route and effectiveness of services need to be improved,” said Nik Mohd.
He added that the current rail system did not cover certain routes, hence commuters had no choice but to drive.
Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) president Mohd Effendy Abdul Ghani said contraflow lanes that eased traffic congestion could help improve employees’ productivity as it reduced stress and allowed employees to plan their travel time.
“The traffic jam in the morning is usually because of people rushing to work and sending their children to school,” he said.
On encouraging more people to take public transport, he said the system and facilities had to be improved before more would use it, especially during peak hours.
