KUALA LUMPUR: Fancy sharing an ehailing ride to the nearest LRT or MRT station, at a lower cost?
Ride-sharing or carpooling could be the way to improve first and last mile connectivity with the Klang Valley’s public rail system, said Anthony Loke.
“Ehailing companies have spoken to us and we are trying to see how to accommodate their proposals.
“One suggestion is ride sharing,” the Transport Minister told reporters after launching the free shuttle bus service from Kuala Lumpur Sentral to Parliament complex.
He said an announcement would be made on the matter soon.
Earlier this month, Loke announced that the Land Public Transport Agency (Apad) was looking at implementing a ride-sharing pilot project where ehailing and taxi companies offer commuters rides to MRT stations at lower fares.
The proposal comes as ridership continues to remain low ahead of the completion of the MRT2 Sungai Buloh-Putrajaya line by mid-March.
Loke said the ridership for public transport like the MRT could be increased by resolving first and last mile issues.
On a related matter, Loke said Prasarana Malaysia Bhd would also look at using smaller feeder buses aimed at improving first and last mile connectivity.
“I am encouraging Prasarana to take up smaller buses instead of the longer buses, which are more efficient in housing estates,” he said.
The smaller feeder buses can accommodate about 30 passengers compared with the current large feeder buses that take between 62 and 67 passengers.
He said the plan for smaller buses would depend on the success of the pilot project to provide a free shuttle bus service from KL Sentral and Parliament complex.
“We want to provide an alternative means of transportation for MPs, Parliament personnel, officers from the ministries and the media.
“This is because of limited parking space in Parliament.”
Loke said his ministry would pay RM1,600 a day for the use of the two Rapid KL 30-seat buses.
The buses will only make one stop near the car park next to the Botanical Gardens before heading to Parliament.
The shuttle bus service will operate from 8am until Parliament adjourns for the day.
The shuttle bus service has come under criticism with many asking why MPs should get free bus rides when they also get a transport allowance.
“This move is to send signal and message to the public to encourage public transport,” he said in response.
Petaling Jaya MP Lee Chean Chung, who took a ride in the inaugural shuttle service, said he would continue to use the bus service.
He said it was “difficult and painful” to drive in congested traffic from his home in Sunway to Parliament.
