Problems, issues, and constraints confronting public transport planning in Kota Bharu, Malaysia : a policy review

This study investigates the public transport service in Kota Bharu Municipality and what can be done to attract more people to use public transportation. Data and information used are based on existing statistics and surveys done by government agencies and consultants. Interviews with public transport operators and planning officers were also undertaken. The attractiveness of the central area and the Central Business District (CBD) in Kota Bharu depends in part on accessibility. Accessibility is important for cities to develop their economic and urbanization activities. Congestion, inadequate parking facilities, poor public transportation, and inadequate pedestrian facilities can lower the accessibility level of a city. The segregation of residential areas from employment and business/shopping centers creates problems in providing access and a good public transport service. Public transportation is one of the ways to reduce congestion in cities. It also can reduce parking requirements and lower gasoline consumption for the city. In order to increase the use of public transportation, variations in the level of service should be available to serve all segments of the population. The present public transport service (which consists of conventional bus, mini bus, taxi and trishaw) can be expanded and improved to cater to the demands of the public. A look at the response from the public toward current services, especially the illegal taxi service, shows that new services can be introduced. Government intervention and regulations should be reduced to give the operators freedom to design their services according to demand. Two systems would be possible. One that is comfortable and efficient enough to attract the middle and upper income segments of the population, and one that is affordable by the lower income population which is willing to sacrifice comfort Cooperation from the government in providing the necessary road infrastructure and subsidies is needed for the various public transport services to operate efficiently, without unnecessary delays and high costs of operation.