By Ts Dr. Hj Ramli Amir, former President of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) Malaysia and Vice-President of CILT International for Southeast Asia
KOTA KINABALU has experienced significant growth over the past few decades. This growth has brought about numerous challenges, particularly in the realm of public transportation. As the city expands, the demand for efficient, reliable, and accessible public transport systems has become increasingly critical.
Various factors had contributed to the current public transportation problems in Kota Kinabalu, including increasing private vehicle ownership, inefficient bus services, lack of integration, severe traffic congestion, and environmental considerations. This article delves into these root causes, exploring their implications and potential solutions, particularly focusing on how road infrastructure can be improved to support a more effective public transportation system.
The Rise of Private Vehicles
One of the most significant challenges facing public transportation in Kota Kinabalu is the rising trend of private vehicle ownership. The allure of personal vehicles stems from several factors, including convenience, comfort, and the perception of safety. As the population of Kota Kinabalu grows, so does the number of residents opting for private transportation. According to recent statistics, vehicle ownership in Malaysia has surged, with many families now owning multiple cars.
Implications for Public Transport
The increasing reliance on private vehicles has led to a decline in public transportation ridership. Many residents view public transport as an inconvenient and unreliable option, leading to a vicious cycle where fewer riders result in reduced services and further deterioration of public transport quality. This shift not only exacerbates traffic congestion but also impacts the environment, as more vehicles on the road contribute to higher emissions and pollution levels.
Current State of Bus Services
The public bus system in Kota Kinabalu has been criticized for its inefficiency and unreliability. Many residents’ express dissatisfaction with various aspects of the service, including bus frequency, punctuality, and overall comfort. Buses often run late or do not adhere to published schedules, leading to frustration among passengers who rely on them for commuting.
Quality Disparities Across Routes
Another issue is the disparity in service quality across different routes. While some areas, particularly those closer to the city centre, enjoy relatively better bus services, outlying regions often suffer from inadequate coverage and infrequent service. This inconsistency makes it challenging for residents in less serviced areas to rely on public transport, further pushing them towards private vehicle usage. The city centre, including areas like Bandaran Berjaya and the waterfront, likely has more frequent bus services due to higher demand and tourist traffic. In contrast, suburban areas like Menggatal or Telipok may have less frequent services, with buses running only every hour or even less frequently.
Comparative Analysis of Transportation Modes
In addition to buses, other modes of transportation, such as taxis and minivans, play a role in the public transport landscape. Taxis offer comfort but are often expensive, limiting their use to those who can afford them. Minivans, while more accessible, have capacity limitations that affect their efficiency in meeting high demand. The lack of a cohesive strategy to integrate these services further complicates the public transport scenario.
The Need for Integration
A well-functioning public transportation system should ideally be integrated, allowing for seamless transfers between different modes of transport. However, Kota Kinabalu lacks such a system. The absence of coordination between buses, taxis, and other forms of transportation leads to inefficiencies and confusion for passengers. By bringing multiple transport services under one roof, a centralized terminal facilitates better coordination of schedules and routes, reducing waiting times and improving overall efficiency.
Barriers to Integration
Several barriers hinder the establishment of an integrated public transportation system in Kota Kinabalu. These include the lack of a centralized transport authority, insufficient funding for infrastructure improvements, and inadequate planning. Without a cohesive strategy to unify various transport modes, the public transport system remains fragmented, making it less appealing to potential users.
Traffic Congestion
Traffic congestion is a significant issue in Kota Kinabalu, particularly during peak hours. The road network struggles to accommodate the growing number of vehicles, leading to long delays and increased travel times. Major roads, such as Tun Fuad Stephens Road and Coastal Road, often experience severe congestion, impacting not only commuters but also local businesses and emergency services.
Effects on Public Transportation
The congestion problem is further exacerbated by the inefficiencies of the public bus system. Buses caught in traffic are unable to maintain schedules, leading to a loss of reliability. This situation discourages potential riders from using public transport, perpetuating the cycle of reliance on private vehicles. As a result, the city faces a dual challenge: addressing traffic congestion while simultaneously improving public transport services.
Impact of Transportation on the Environment
The environmental impact of transportation systems is another critical aspect to consider. Public transportation typically produces less pollution compared to private vehicles. Promoting public transport can contribute to reducing the city’s carbon footprint, which is an important consideration in urban planning. As the city grapples with increasing vehicle emissions, transitioning to a more robust public transport system could play a vital role in achieving sustainability goals.
Strategies for Improving Road Infrastructure
To address the public transportation challenges in Kota Kinabalu, improving road infrastructure is essential. The existing infrastructure struggles to accommodate the growing demand for mobility, leading to severe traffic congestion and dissatisfaction among residents.
Implementing Transit-Oriented Development (TOD)
Transit-Oriented Development focuses on creating compact, walkable communities centred around high-quality public transportation systems. By integrating residential, commercial, and recreational spaces with public transport hubs, Kota Kinabalu can reduce reliance on private vehicles and encourage the use of public transport.
Developing a Centralized Bus System
Establishing a centralized bus system is essential for improving public transportation in Kota Kinabalu. This system should include (1) Dedicated Bus Lanes – Creating dedicated lanes for buses can help reduce delays caused by general traffic congestion, ensuring that buses can operate more efficiently. (2) Improved Bus Terminals – Upgrading existing bus terminals to accommodate more passengers and provide better facilities can enhance the overall user experience.
Enhancing Road Infrastructure
Improving the overall road infrastructure is critical to supporting public transportation. This can be achieved through (1) Widening and Upgrading Roads – Expanding key roads to accommodate more lanes can alleviate congestion while ensuring that investments in public transport are prioritized. (2) Implementing Smart Traffic Management Systems – Utilizing technology to manage traffic flow can help reduce congestion and improve travel times for all vehicles, including buses.
Incorporating Sustainable Practices as Kota Kinabalu develops its transportation infrastructure, it is essential to incorporate sustainable practices. This includes promoting non-motorized transport through dedicated pedestrian pathways and cycling lanes, as well as investing in electric buses to reduce the environmental impact of public transport.
Community Engagement and Education
Engaging the community in the planning process is vital for the success of any transportation initiative. Public consultations can help identify the specific needs and preferences of residents, ensuring that the proposed solutions are practical and widely accepted.
Challenges and Opportunities
The slow progress in establishing all planned integrated terminals has hindered the development of a fully integrated system. Effective implementation requires coordination between various stakeholders, including different transport operators and government agencies. The success of a centralized terminal depends on supporting infrastructure, such as dedicated bus lanes and improved road networks. Incorporating modern technology, such as real-time information systems and integrated ticketing, can significantly enhance the effectiveness of a centralized terminal.
Prospects
The planned BRT system, if implemented, will use the centralized terminals as key nodes in the network, improving overall connectivity. Future should focus on integrating not just buses, but also other modes of transport like taxis, ride-sharing services, and potentially water-based transport given Kota Kinabalu’s coastal location. Centralized terminals can serve as focal points for transit-oriented development, encouraging dense, mixed-use development around these transport hubs.
By fully realizing the potential of centralized terminals, Kota Kinabalu can address many of its current public transportation challenges. These hubs can serve as the backbone of an integrated, efficient, and user-friendly public transport system, aligning with the city’s vision of becoming a sustainable and liveable urban centre. However, successful implementation will require sustained commitment, adequate funding, and effective coordination among all stakeholders involved in the city’s transportation ecosystem.
Overview
The public transportation problems in Kota Kinabalu are multifaceted, stemming from increasing private vehicle usage, inefficient bus services, lack of integration, significant traffic congestion, and environmental considerations. Addressing these root causes requires a comprehensive approach that prioritizes the enhancement of public transport services, the establishment of an integrated transportation system, and effective traffic management strategies. By improving road infrastructure and implementing sustainable practices, Kota Kinabalu can create a more efficient, reliable, and sustainable public transportation system that meets the needs of its growing population and improves the overall quality of life for its residents.
