Transport minister Anthony Loke at press conference on Prasarana 2023 Performance and Future Plans at Menara UOA Bangsar on January 09.—AZMAN GHANI/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: The government is poised to enhance enforcement and impose penalties on those misusing bus lanes, says Anthony Loke.
"My approach has always been carrot and stick. If the carrot doesn't entice them, we will use the stick," said the Transport Minister.
When asked about the penalties, he merely replied: "That will come."
Addressing concerns about the unpredictability of bus services due to traffic congestion, Loke said that the government will introduce more bus lanes.
He said commuters tended to prefer rail compared to busses as a mode of public transport.
"Rail has no traffic jams – unless there is a disruption. But with buses, you are stuck in traffic jams... and the frequency is sometimes unpredictable.
"Nevertheless, we are addressing these issues and putting a lot of effort into introducing bus lanes in the Klang Valley," he said in a press conference on Tuesday (Jan 9).
He added that in collaboration with local authorities, bus lanes in Jalan Ampang and Jalan Klang Lama would be expanded as part of a proof of concept phase. Additionally, permanent expansions are planned for Jalan Ampang and Jalan Genting Klang.
He said the government is taking measures to boost public transport ridership.
To improve overall infrastructure, 117 bus stops, 11 walkways, and 15 bus hubs are earmarked for upgrades this year.
According to the recently released Prasarana 2023 Performance and Future Plans report, the average daily bus ridership was 473,000 in 2019, 178,000 in 2022 and 241,000 in 2023. The government has set an increased target of 285,000 daily bus riders this year.
