Working Woes ......

Despite the various measures undertaken by the government all these years; we have yet to see an effective, efficient and a comprehensive solution to our daily transportation system. Transportation woes has always been and looks set to continue as a major headache to all and affects those living in the Klang Valley. Unless efforts and bold moves are taken to change the present transportation system. 

An initiative being under evaluation by the Authorities is to introduce an 'off-peak' rate as an incentive to encourage more people to use a certain Highway earlier before the normal rush hour to work begins every morning. On the other hand, a new transportation policy is currently being discussed by the government.

Today, we have dedicated bus lanes, LRTs, monorail, rail and buses as a mode to transport people into and outside of the Klang Valey. Much as we like to, the present transportation system is not as effective and efficient. Thus, many people have no other alternative except to drive to and fro from work.

The implementation of any new solution to the current transportation woes in the Klang Valley is to me, nothing more than a short-term, fire-fighting measure. It has not proven as effective and efficient solutions to our transportation woes so far.

What could possibly be a long term solution to our transportation woes is by taking a bold move, in order to encourage a drastic shift in the mindset of the working people. That will progressively evolve into a new working culture for the urbanites and possibly that may ultimately solve our transportation woes for the longer term.

The government must encourage people not to drive to work. To support this move, all public transportation could be provided  'free-of-charge' to all from 6 to 7.30am and 6.00 to 7.30pm every working day. Such a move will certainly witness a drop in vehicles travelling in and out of the Klang Valley considering the price of fuel that we are paying today. However, the bus transportation system will have to be very comprehensive, very efficient and effectively capable of delivering people to their destination on time, every time.

Such an initiative should be able to garner support from the people at large. This is because they do not have to pay any fares during the specified hours. They tend to save by taking public transportation and put that monthly savings into other meaningful use for their households. This move will certainly benefit everyone. Besides, such an initiative will progressively change the mentality of our workforce and promoting a healthy work culture in the longer term. A workforce that is up an ready to leave for work early in the morning and return home on time to spend their evenings with their loved ones. 

This move is timely in view of the recent hike in fuel price and is a workable approach to help the working people cushion the impact of spiralling prices on  almost everything. Besides, this is the best time to fine tuning our transportation system so that it can emerge as a comprehensive transport solution to all in the not too distant future. The idea of providing free transportation during the spcified hours to all could be a food for thought to the relevant authorities and if implemented it will be a much welcomed move to those residing in the Klang Valley.