LETTER | Recently, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said there will be no congestion charge in our cities for now.

The reasons cited were, that priority was to be given to improve the quality of public transport and developed countries only implement a congestion charge after having a good and efficient public transport system.

Public transport systems need substantial time to improve. The Kelana Jaya LRT line took five years and the MRT six years to complete. Even adding new trains for KTM will take 22 months.

Improving the efficiency and volume of public transport is continuous. Look at London and Singapore, they are constantly adding new lines and stations. There is no end to a quality and efficient public transport system.

In the 1970s, Kuala Lumpur commenced with the Aerobus suspended cable system for mass transit but discontinued due to financial difficulties.

If that had gone ahead, KL would be a much better city and today’s traffic woes would be a nonentity.

We unfortunately missed that opportunity. Nearly 20 years later when KL was bursting at its seams with more and more traffic and roads, only did the first mass public transport system laid its tracks.

There could be déjà vu if the congestion charge is not implemented soon. Once again, KL would miss the prospect of being a great city and be forever playing catch-up to more traffic.

Make it expensive to park, cheaper to ride

Below are some suggestions to get congestion charges going.

Increase parking charges in the inner city by two or threefold and use the money to subsidise car parking charges in the outer city or suburbs to encourage people to park and ride.

Have discounted fares on public transport during off-peak hours between 10am and 3pm, weekends, and public holidays to encourage greater usage.

Provide free public transport for all Malaysians under 23 years old to get them used to public transport and free them from the burden of owning a car.

Bring back the e-scooter but limit the speed to 15kph to make it safer for the riders and pedestrians.

Restart bicycle sharing but only those with docking stations to prevent random and dangerous parking.

Have a permanent separate car for folding or full-size bicycles for all KTM trains.

Install bicycle racks at the front or back of buses for those wishing to cycle only part of the journey.

Pay no hindrance to resistance

Some Malaysians have a great affinity for their vehicles and to get them to part with their vehicles could be a moonshot. Others prefer the solitude and space inside their cars and will likely never give these up.

These people will probably not take public transport, however expensive or difficult it is to drive into the city. You have to tune out their objections against a congestion charge.

The congestion charge must be implemented very soon otherwise making KL a world-class city with a livable and clean environment will be a distant dream.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.