The Pasir Gudang Highway, identified as one of 77 congestion hotspots, is being upgraded. — THOMAS YONG/The Star
Johor government has come up with several measures to address congestion following the impending change in Johor’s weekend from Friday-Saturday to Saturday-Sunday, says state executive councillor Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh.
The Johor works, transportation, infrastructure and communications committee chairman said 77 congestion hotspots had been identified around Greater Johor Baru (areas under Johor Baru City Council, Kulai Municipal Council, Pasir Gudang City Council and Iskandar Puteri City Council).
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“To address worsening traffic congestion in Greater Johor Baru, we have planned several initiatives to enhance connectivity.
“A special committee has been formed at the state government level to discuss traffic congestion and dispersal.
“This special committee has identified traffic congestion hotspots and will propose short-term, medium-term and long-term solutions,” Mohamad Fazli told StarMetro.
“One of the hotspots is Pasir Gudang Highway, which is being upgraded to accommodate higher traffic volume.
Mohamad Fazli: Transportation hubs being constructed to encourage more people to use public transport.
“This includes the construction of additional lanes, improvements to intersections and the installation of smart traffic lights.”
He said Johor government also planned to strengthen the public transportation system by increasing the efficiency of the bus service and optimising the route network.
“This includes the construction of new transportation hubs to encourage more residents to use public transport instead of private vehicles,” he said.
Mohamad Fazli noted that a total of 78 Muafakat Johor buses with over 60 routes had been made available for free by the state government to citizens.
“Since its introduction in 2016, this service, costing RM28.5mil, has benefitted 14.7 million users as of October this year.
“To ensure that this free bus service is fully utilised, regular evaluation of passenger numbers are being conducted.
“A total of nine routes have been added this year based on passenger evaluation and requests from residents,” he said.Mohamad Fazli said the state government was also working towards upgrading the Larkin Bus Terminal, with a RM2.5mil allocation.
“This includes covered platforms, designated rest areas for drivers and enclosed areas for passengers.”
He said that free shuttle bus service to Hospital Sultanah Aminah, Hospital Sultan Ismail, Sultan Ibrahim Stadium and the Johor Zoo would continue next year with an allocation of RM885,000.
“Additionally, there are proposals to introduce free shuttle bus services to the Sultan Ibrahim Building and the Royal Botanical Garden,” he said.
