In the recent exercise to revamp bus
routes in Klang Valley and Greater KL areas by Public Transport
Commissioner or SPAD since last December, there will definitely be some
hickups and a feeling of discomfort among daily commuters. All
complaints and feedbacks from commuters are essential to ensure the
revamped bus route system plan runs smoothly for them to enjoy a better
service and safe rides.
We need to know that the ‘Bus Network
Revamp (BNR) has taken measures including to consult with bus operators
over the past one year, studies on commuters feedback and the
commissioner team themselves went to the ground to make reviews and
evaluation of each bus route around Klang Valley vicinity.
SPAD has also taken steps to involve
commuters participations in their exercise when they have provided
complaint platform via their hotline or an open discussion through their
official Facebook and Twitter. However, there are certain unexpected
situations brought up by medias which need to be addressed further thus
clarified.
In the commissioner findings that there
are over 400,000 daily commuters relying on bus services in Greater
Kuala Lumpur/Klang Valley (GKL/KV) and the BNR exercise is the major
initiatives under the NKRA to improve the public transport route system
and increase the number of the existing bus around GKL and Klang Valley.
Under this revamp exercise, bus
capacities would increase in congested routes and areas with less
passengers and its neighbourhoods, the routes will be deployed. But
eventually, the role of these stage buses will be more functional and
improved when we realize that it would be a solution to commuters’
beginning and end of their journey. Meanwhile, the stage bus industry
will transform into a viable business.
In SPAD’s BRN planning, informations are
very essential to passengers. Therefore, several communication
approaches are taken and among others are distribution of brochures,
giant posters are placed at 10 bus information panels in key bus hubs,
public service announcements on mainstream radio stations and
informative editorial pages in the print medias.
Dissemination of informations do not
stop at that, SPAD also pave commuters’ complaints and inquiries on
their official Facebook and Twitter where urbanites are savvy.
Undoubtedly, planning on paper may seems
smooth but when it comes to implementing them, we will certainly face
hickups and obstacles. In this early stage, there are operational issues
in certain ways and SPAD has been acting on them and will continue to
monitor just to ensure that the rakyat are provided with better bus
service.
In the issues highlighted by media
operators involved one of the underperforming operator, SPAD has issued
warning statement and dateline for them to improve their services. SPAD
has also informed them that firm action will be imposed if they still
failed to show any improvement.
SPAD not only in response to complaints
via their hotline and emails or in their official FB, but they have also
developed a monitoring system through their Performance Monitoring Hub
(PMH) with a GPS unit installed in every bus. The GPS is to monitor
every bus designated routes that have been set, but unfortunately,
during inspections there are instances where the GPS is not functioning.
However, it is the operators’
responsibility to ensure that their monitoring equipment are working
well as required. The operators are also supposed to be responsible to
ensure that sufficient amount of buses are provided despite any hours as
per committed.
Since 2012, the government has allocated
RM470 million under the Interim Stage Bus Support Fund (ISBSF) to
ensure that the stage bus industry could sustain in their businesses and
improve their service qualities. Any operators who meet SPAD
requirements are eligible to apply. To date, about 195 operators have
qualified and have received financial assistance from the government.
Unfortunately, Metrobus is among those who is unable to meet SPAD
requirements.
Eventhough the medias may seek to share
commuters views, at the same time they should also inform their readers
to channel their complaints directly to SPAD for a more affirmative and
effective action and finally their problems can be solved.
Indeed, SPAD’s agenda in the
implementation of BNR is for the stage bus industry to remain
competitive and their operational costs sustain, thus as for the
commuters they would enjoy good quality and reliable bus services.
Sources : PRU14.tv
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