Selangor government roadshows at local councils

According to this article in the newspaper, the Selangor government will be visiting the 12 local councils to discuss local issues.

The schedule is as follows:

• Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) – April 26
• Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) – May 3
• Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ) – May 10
• Klang Municipal Council (MPK) – May 17
• Sabak Bernam District Council (MDSB) – May 24
• Kuala Langat District Council (MDKL) – May 31
• Kuala Selangor District Council (MDKS) – June 6
• Hulu Selangor District Council (MDHS) – June 14
• Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj) – June 21
• Sepang District Council (MPSp) – June 28
• Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) – July 5
• Selayang Municipal Council (MPS) – July 12

TRANSIT says:

While public transport is generally in the hands of the federal government, the State Government and Local Council also have a role to play.  They are responsible for providing infrastructure (such as bus hubs, bus lanes & bus ways), and encouraging development that is Transit-oriented (using Transit-Planning Zones and Pedestrian-scale developments).

Selangor residents, please make time to attend these meetings and speak to your local and state government representatives about local issues including public transport issues.

TRANSIT has drawn up a few talking points that you, the residents of Selangor can use to discuss local public transport issues at these meetings.

TRANSIT believes in the following:

1. Public transport is not a service for the elderly and poor.
2. Community shuttle buses are a service for people who would like an alternative from the private car/motorcycle/taxi – not a service for people with “no choice”.
3. A network of reliable, frequent Community Shuttle Buses would give people an alternative to using their cars or motorcycles, meaning that there would be less traffic congestion on our roads.
4. On average, 1 more 12m long bus on the road equals 53 fewer cars or motorcycles on the road.  Remember this equation, 1 = 53

The State Government has a role to play

1. The State Government should become an advocate better public transport in Selangor and the Klang Valley.
2. The State Government should create a State Public Transport Council to focus on improvements to public transport in Selangor.
3. The whole state of Selangor should have a complete network of convenient local community shuttle buses.
4. By providing free local community shuttle service, the State government will not be competing with bus operators and does not have to seek permits from the Commercial Vehicles Licensing Board.
5. There should be coordination with the State Government so that there is proper funding and service integration between these local public transport networks and the LRT and KTM and stage bus services.

The Local Councils also have a role to play

1. It is necessary for each local government to have a department or office that focuses on the development of urban public transit or public transport.  While some local councils have these departments already (MPAJ, for example) other councils do not.
2. Each local council should appoint a Public Transport Committee before they make attempts at implementing public transport service.  This committee should include members of the local council, the bus operators, and the residents associations.
3. Community Shuttle Bus service requires lots of buses – because very slow frequencies (more than 1 hour) between buses is simply unacceptable and will not encourage people to use public transport.
4. These buses should be properly-designed accessible buses
5. Maps of Local Community Shuttle Bus service should be posted prominently at bus stops, in the Council Buildings, community halls, community newspapers, online etc.

The members of TRANSIT would be happy to provide feedback on local public transport issues to the State Government and the Local Councils.  TRANSIT can be reached at klangvalley.transit@gmail.com or at the number 012-248-3330 /019 280 0608