A world-class public transport as in KL20.

DAP National Deputy Chairman and MP for Kepong Dr Tan Seng Giaw calls for the public, the Government and Rapid KL to make integrated public transport world-calss.

Dr Tan attended on 16 March, 2006 at the Titiwangsa Station, Kuala Lumpur, the ceremony on integrated public transport organized by Rapid KL, the government-linked company (GLC) that is managing the integration of bus, light rail transit, monorail and commuter services. He also took part in a dialogue with the company on 3 March, 2006, in Jinjang North, attended by members of the public and staff members of the company. On 20 March, 2006, Dr Tan took a ride to-and-fro on Bus 236 from Metro Prima to Sungai Mas, Kepong.

The Kuala Lumpur Structural Plan (KL20) aims to make KL the international tropical garden city of light by 2020. This includes integrated public transport. Having a world-class transport has been the objective since the 70s last century. Things have not worked out. The Government allowed the takeover of most family-owned bus companies whcih were replaced by modern companies such as Intrakota and Park May. These companies failed. Now, the Government has taken over the public transport, letting Rapid KL do the job. We hope the company will be up to the mark.

World-class public transport requires world-class management and world-class passengers.

On 15 March, 2006, the Prime Minister's Department issued a statement, saying that it was setting up a Public Transport Fund with RM4.4 billion--the estimated savings from the reduction in petrol subsidy. The price of petrol has gone up by 30 sen per litre.

Whatever is saved from decreasing petrol subsidy should be used meaningfully, especially on education and employment. If it is for enhancing public transport, Rapid KL should make the best of this fund. It should ensure that the management is of very high standard, without bureaucracy and inefficiency. The public should keep an eye on this. Let us learn from the mistakes of previous companies.

Just as other new services, bus 236 from Metro Prima to Sg Mas began on 18 March, 2006. The first two days were free. There are various factors, including road works that delay the services. For example, this morning we were delayed by half an hour. Crossing the road at Metro Prima to catch the bus is dangerous.

On 27 March, 2006, Dr Tan will take bus 236 again. The Government subsidizes public transport. The people should be alert.