SHAH ALAM - A consumer group says the RM155 mil spend on a one-month free public transport ride is likely to go down the drain if Putrajaya fails to come up with proper planning to woo people to use the services.
Consumers Association of Subang and Shah Alam (CASSA) president Datuk Seri Jacob George said a comprehensive plan linking residential areas to commercial areas is needed.
"This issue is not new as we have been grappling to have a world-class public transport system for over 40 years.
"Unfortunately, despite having neighbours with world class public transport system, we are unable to follow what our neighbours have been doing," he said to Sinar Daily.
George said proper planning and policies are crucial to be implemented.
"If people are screaming (over poor public transport system) it is not because of pricing, it is because of how unreliable our public transport is," he said.
The one-month free transport shows "there is a slight disconnect", he said, adding that comprehensive plans with views from stakeholders are needed o ensure the public transport system is in line with the needs of the people.
"You don't give something free if something goes wrong, instead you apologise and come up with a good solution," he said.
Meanwhile, economist Prof Barjoyai Bardai of Universiti Tun Abdul Razak said the one month free ride on all public transport services under RapidKL will change the public's perception but depends on how the government delivers and handles the system during the month log free ride.
"I believe it will change public's perception on MRT and LRT also the rail service if it is run well.
"Essentially the opening of MRT Putrajaya line is a big move in persuading and commodate people to use LRT and MRT rather than driving," he said to Sinar Daily.
However, Barjoyai wonders if the 'free ride' has something to do with the election gimmick since the 15th General Election is near.
"Anyhow this will cause a little dissatisfaction among residents in other states as they may not enjoy the 'free ride' benefits.
"This will only benefit few people so the government should have priority and longer term plans on what to do and create a facility which benefits the public," he said.
Barjoyai added the link connecting residential areas to the rail stations is still weak.
He said parking is also an issue at MRT or LRT stations.
"Of course the government will say that they will provide the link service but that is still not reliable, right now we need a solution," he said.
Barjoyai also suggested on integrated ticketing system where people get monthly, weekly or daily passes that link their home to their destinations.
"By this, the public don't have to pay different fees using various types of transport," he said.
Last week Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced there will be a one-month free public transport service under RapidKL, starting immediately, at a cost of RM155 million.
He said the move was to help alleviate the cost of living increases Malaysians were currently facing.
However, public transport users have been raging over delayed train services.