Some commuters who rely on public transport are happy with the bus lanes in Jalan Kelang Lama which they say have cut their travel time.
THERE are growing calls among road users in Jalan Kelang Lama and Jalan Puchong for the dedicated bus lane to be scrapped due to gridlocks and confusion.
Stakeholders said the roads hosting the 6.37km-long bus lane, from Jalan Puchong to Jalan Kelang Lama off Jalan Halimahton, was already congested before the trial started on Aug 15.
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Seputeh Residents Representative Council (MPPWP) chairman Alvin T. Ariaratnam is among those urging Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) and Rapid Bus Sdn Bhd to end the trial, citing increased travel times and safety concerns.
Alvin: Bus lane has led to chaotic and hazardous conditions during peak hours.
“Previously, it took me 45 minutes to get from my house in Taman Yarl to the city centre; now it takes an hour,” he said.
Alvin said the bus lane had led to chaotic and hazardous conditions during peak hours.
Taman Bukit Desa resident Daniel Charles said the added traffic congestion was not worth closing one lane for buses.
Taman Desa Residents Association (TDRA) chairman Wong Chan Choy said the bus lane was not suitable for Jalan Kelang Lama, given the road’s existing traffic challenges.
“There are not many buses that ply this road, and the stretch near Jalan Kelang Lama market and Scott Garden is so congested,” Wong said.
Wong added that there needed to be a balance between the number of buses using these lanes and the hundreds of thousands of cars that rely on the roads daily.
Wong: Need a win-win solution that accommodates everyone’s needs.
“The authorities should come up with a win-win solution that accommodates everyone’s needs,” Wong said, adding thatthe authorities must come up with a more comprehensive approach to managing traffic in the area.
Echoing similar concerns was B. Tan, who pointed out that the congestion had led to higher e-hailing charges in her area.
“The high volume of traffic along Jalan Kelang Lama is driving up e-hailing fares because the algorithms used by services like Grab adjust prices based on traffic and demand.
“I have noticed that when the roads are clogged, the fares skyrocket, and even if the rates are low, finding a car can be a challenge because fewer drivers are willing to take on trips in congested areas,” said Tan.
Despite the brickbats, some residents, especially those taking the bus are grateful for the bus lanes which they say have cut down travel time.
“I commute from Puchong Perdana to my workplace near Pearl Shopping Mall on 5th Mile, Jalan Kelang Lama, and the dedicated bus lane has been wonderful.
“What used to take me over an hour now only takes 45 minutes, offering a smooth and efficient ride to my destination,” said Kasturi Selvam, 35.
“I have extra time now for coffee before clocking in for work,” added Samiah Borhan, from Puchong.
“I travel from Kinrara to work at Mid Valley Megamall, and the bus service makes my journey so much smoother.
“It even gives me extra time in the morning to grab breakfast with my colleagues,” Samiah said.
