Kuala Lumpur's transport system is in a critical state. Traffic congestion has become an accepted daily occurrence, and all corridors have deteriorated to a point where there are no alternative routes for commuters. Coupled with a poor public transport system, the transport situation in Kuala Lumpur is in urgent need of improvement. The current transport situation in Kuala Lumpur is reviewed, and two fundamental approaches identified: imposing restrictions on car usage and improving public transport performance. A disaggregate demand model linked with a simulation model of public transport operations is developed. Using the model, several alternative policies are tested to find the appropriate appropriate answers to the question. The current situation known as the base-case is simulated, and the results are used for validating the model, as well as providing insights on the nature of the problems. The eventual aim of the policies is to influence at least a 40 percent trip transfer from cars to public transport. The paper examines the effects of several bus operating strategies and several general policies. The paper demonstrates that the appropriate solution lies with improving the bus service, imposing restrictions on private motorisation and introducing an effective railbased system. (A)
Abstract