KUALA LUMPUR: Ehailing companies have suggested ride-sharing or carpooling as a means to improve first and last-mile connectivity with the Klang Valley’s public rail system, says Anthony Loke.
"They (ehailing companies) have spoken to us and we are trying to see how to accommodate their proposals.
"One of their suggestions is ride-sharing," the Transport Minister told reporters after launching the free shuttle bus service from Kuala Lumpur Sentral to Parliament complex on Monday (Feb 20).
Loke said an announcement would be made soon with regard to the outcome of recent discussions with the ehailing companies.
Earlier this month, Loke announced that the Land Public Transport Agency (Apad) was currently looking at implementing a ride-sharing pilot project where ehailing and taxi companies offer commuter rides to the MRT stations at lower fares.
The move comes as ridership continues to remain low ahead of the completion of the MRT2 Sungai Buloh-Putrajaya line by this coming mid-March.
Loke said that ridership for public transport such as the MRT (mass rapid transit) could be further increased if first and last-mile issues are resolved.
In a related matter, Loke said that Prasarana Malaysia Berhad (Prasarana) will look at using smaller feeder buses aimed at improving first and last-mile connectivity.
He said this would be based on the success of the pilot project which provides a free shuttle bus service from KL Sentral and Parliament complex.
"I am encouraging Prasarana to take up smaller buses instead of the longer buses.
"The smaller buses are more efficient and are more apt and manoeuvrable in small housing estates," he said.
The smaller feeder buses can accommodate about 30 passengers compared to the current large feeder buses that can accommodate between 62 and 67 passengers.
