The Cabinet should accept and implement a proposal by the Ministry of Transport to introduce unlimited “Rapid Rail” and “Integrated Rapid Bus” passes, as well as discounted KTM Komuter services.
The benefits of doing this will be immense, not only in reducing traffic congestion, but also improving mobility, productivity and the environment.
Indeed, it is the stated goal of this government to encourage the use of public transportation—initiatives like unlimited passes and discounted services will make this option attractive. This is the practice in many developed cities.
The proposal was first mooted by the Pakatan Harapan Youth in our Tawaran Harapan Anak Muda manifesto for the last General Elections.
We are aware that the finances of the country are not yet stable and that the government will have to be wise it is spending.
But if there is anything worth spending on, it is this.
Also, the various efforts to improve the efficiency, connectivity, environmental sustainability and user-friendliness of our public transportation system must of course continue.
We can categorise the passes into peak and off-peak passes to increase off-peak usage which is still very low compared to peak usage.
The various providers must up their game, especially if the proposal comes through.
Malaysians will need to work harder to meet the challenging global economic conditions ahead.
It is only right that the government help them to do this—as well as reduce the cost of living—by making public transportation affordable, as well as safe and reliable.
NIK NAZMI NIK AHMAD
PAKATAN HARAPAN YOUTH LEADER
PARTI KEADILAN RAKYAT YOUTH LEADER
SETIAWANGSA MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT
