‘Reliable LRT network sorely needed in city’

JOHOR Baru needs a light rail transit (LRT) system to help resolve its traffic difficulties, according to Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia Industry Centre of Excellence for Railway (ICoE-Rail) principal researcher Assoc Prof Dr Nor Aziati Abdul Hamid.

“It is an efficient and reliable alternative compared to cars.

“Studies have shown that an LRT network can significantly reduce traffic congestion. For example, the LRT system in Kuala Lumpur has led to a 20% reduction in traffic volume there,” she told StarMetro.

Nor Aziati added that it was important for Johor Baru, an economic corridor in the southern region, to have a better public transport system that featured LRT.

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She said Penang, an economic corridor in the northern region, was also working towards implementing its own LRT network soon, which could help strengthen development.

“When people find it easier to get around the city, economic activities will increase.

“This in turn will create more jobs and Johor Baru will be a more attractive place to live and work.”

Nor Aziati highlighted the positive changes two ongoing major rail projects in Johor would bring when completed.

They are the Rapid Transit System Link (RTS) between Bukit Chagar in Johor and Woodlands North in Singapore, and the Gemas — Johor Baru Electrified Double Track Project (EDTP).

The EDTP, she said, was expected to be completed by 2025, while the RTS was on schedule to start operations by early 2027.

Both the RTS and EDTP are expected to attract more visitors to Johor Baru.

Nor Aziati warned that if Johor Baru did not have a complementary public transport system in place by then, several problems could arise.

“We will see worse traffic congestion because without an LRT system to distribute passengers within the city, these visitors will have no choice but to use private cars and taxis.

“The existing public bus network may not be able to handle the additional passenger load generated by the RTS and EDTP.

“Overcrowded buses and longer waiting times could further discourage people from taking buses,” she added.

Nor Aziati also said that while the state government was working towards another public transport system Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) within Iskandar Malaysia, it would still face more challenges compared to LRT due to the limited area of coverage.

The LRT system in Johor Baru should have an extensive network to cover major residential and commercial areas and it should also be integrated with other public transport modes including ehailing to make travelling more convenient in the city, she added.