Taxi, ehailing connections could help boost take-up of rail services, says minister

SUNGAI BULOH: Talks are being held with ehailing and taxi companies to improve first- and last-mile connectivity with the public rail system within the Klang Valley, says Anthony Loke.

The Transport Minister's statement comes as ridership on mass transit systems remains low, with the MRT2 Sungai Buloh and Putrajaya line expected to be fully operational by mid-March.

"The feeder bus system has yet to (address) the problem as not all areas have feeder routes.

"So we are looking at other approaches, which includes talking to ehailing and taxi companies to solve this problem," he told a press conference after taking a ride on the MRT2 from Putrajaya Sentral to Kwasa Damansara during a trial run today.

He said the Land Public Transport Agency (Apad) is looking at implementing a pilot ride sharing project involving taxis and ehailing rides to offer trips to and from stations at a lower fare.

Asked what could be done to increase the use of public transportation in the Klang Valley, he acknowledged that this could happen if first- and last-mile issues were resolved.

He noted that the goal of getting at least 40% of commuters to use public transportation had yet to be achieved as the figure was estimated to be below 20%.

Loke said the ministry was also open to other suggestions including allowing the use of electric scooters, which is currently prohibited, to and from stations.