00:00Rapid KL is facing a RM100 million funding gap, putting pressure on how the mass rapid transit
00:15system is currently supported. Experts say this isn't something that can be fixed by simply
00:21raising fares. Instead, they argue the problem is about how public transport is used and how
00:28commuting choices are shaped. Rahman Hussain of transport think tank My Mobility Vision pointed out
00:34that operating costs are higher during peak hours, yet flat fares remain in place, offering little
00:41incentive for commuters to adjust their travel times. He said the government could introduce
00:46incentives such as fare credits, pass bonuses or employee-linked travel benefits that nudge
00:52commuters to travel earlier or later to avoid peak hours. The pressure is already showing.
00:58Transport Minister Lok Siu Phuk recently said, government's RM200 million allocation to
01:04subsidise the My 50 pass was not enough, forcing Prasarana to absorb part of the cost.
01:12More than 556,000 My 50 passes were sold in the second half of last year,
01:18and the programme will continue in 2026. In other words, people are using the pass, a lot,
01:25but the funding hasn't kept pace, leaving Prasarana to plug the gap. But incentives alone won't be
01:32enough to overcome this problem. Transport specialist Go Bok Yin highlighted that private vehicle costs,
01:38including fuel prices, road tax and parking remain relatively low, reducing the urgency for commuters to
01:45switch transport modes. He said gradual measures like higher parking fees, fuel pricing reforms and
01:51congestion pricing could shift behaviour, as long as public transport stays affordable and reliable.
01:59However, Goh stressed that public transport operators should not be expected to turn a profit.
02:04He said losses are inevitable in helping Malaysians make the transition to using public transport.
02:09In the end, fixing public transport isn't just about a quick solution, it's about making the entire
02:16journey work. I'm Radeep Gill, FMT.
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