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Steps to Improve Public Transportation |
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In modern times, a well-functioning public transportation service is crucial in
boosting a country's economy. Public transportation can be defined as a
collective transportation system available for public use, with predetermined
schedules, routes, and fares charged for each journey. An effective public
transportation service can benefit both citizens and foreign tourists in
accessing destinations with ease. Therefore, it is essential to identify steps
that can be taken to improve public transportation.
Identifying and assessing areas that require public transportation
The authorities responsible for managing public transportation in cities and
states should regularly identify and evaluate areas that require public
transportation. Data collection and analysis are critical in this process, and
with technological advancements, this process has become more efficient.
Collaboration with urban and rural planning officers is also necessary to plan
and execute the best transportation routes. Accessibility to public areas such
as markets, schools, bus terminals, and government buildings would not only
benefit citizens but also increase the use of public transportation services.
Tightening enforcement of laws for public transportation vehicles
The Road Transport Department (RTD) should tighten the enforcement of laws on
public transportation vehicles. Although public transportation in Malaysia is
not limited to government initiatives, policies that allow local entrepreneurs
to build private transportation networks have helped to advance public
transportation. However, these policies have resulted in loose regulations and
poor implementation, with private operators using vehicles that exceed 10 to 20
years in age for their operations. Stringent measures must be taken to revoke
permits for such public transportation companies. This step not only ensures the
safety of users but also provides them with comfort. Hence, licensing for public
transportation companies should be tightened, and frequent monitoring by
authorities will ensure the quality of public transportation services.
Adopting alternative sources of energy for public transportation
Another step to improve public transportation is by using alternative sources of
energy such as electricity for all public transportation vehicles. This step
would avoid the use of petrol, which has market-based pricing and is
continuously increasing in price. Alternative approaches that use other
inexpensive sources of energy are the best way to reduce the cost of public
transportation services. There is a local company, Eletrik Bas Inovasi Malaysia
(EBIM), that has successfully produced electric buses using 100 percent skilled
local workers. They only require strong investors and financial resources to
carry out large-scale production, contributing to the country's public
transportation system and promoting the skill level of local workers on a global
scale.
Developing transportation apps to target the public
All members of the public have smartphones, which can be leveraged by public
transportation providers to develop transportation apps. For instance, the state
government of Selangor has launched the Smart Selangor application, which allows
users to track the location of free buses provided by the government. This
feature helps users plan their trips by referring to the application's real-time
location data.
Improving public transportation is crucial for the economic development of any
country. Identifying areas that require public transportation, enforcing laws
and regulations, using alternative sources of energy, and leveraging technology
to develop transportation apps are all crucial steps in achieving this goal.
Through the implementation of these steps, the public transportation system in
Malaysia can be improved, providing more efficient, safe, and comfortable
services to users. |
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