Petaling Jaya Aims For 40% Public Transport Use By 2045

Petaling Jaya wants 40% of its residents to rely on public transport by 2045, a big leap from the current 10%, says Mayor Mohamad Zahri Samingon. 

The city has been working toward greener, more sustainable mobility since the first Urban Transportation Master Plan (PIP) in 2015, but Zahri admits roads and traffic systems haven’t kept up with population growth.

To address this, MBPJ is launching PIP 2.0 from 2026 to 2035, backed by RM527.3 million. 

“Seven objectives focusing on public transport, traffic management, walkways, cycling and micromobility, parking, goods vehicle traffic, TOD and city transportation administration are planned to achieve the goals,” he told StarMetro.

The plan is based on nearly a year of research and public feedback to better fit current travel patterns, community needs, and technology.

Under PIP 1.0, the city introduced six free bus routes and upgraded walkways in older areas like Section 52 and Section 14. 

Councillor Kusaaliny Mahendran noted that developments near MRT and LRT stations encourage public transport, but authorities, according to her, need to ensure the elderly can commute using cashless systems.

Local stakeholders say more is needed. 

“Residents are paying the price through daily congestion, pollution and declining quality of life. Authorities must commit to a real, sustainable transport overhaul," VKK Raja of Muda warned. 

Rajesh Mansukhlal from Section 6 Rukun Tetangga added that TOD is often misused. 

“TOD should include schools and recreational facilities, not just high-rise condos near stations. Developers should not get TOD status if stations don’t have frequent stops," he said in the daily portal report.

Meanwhile, traffic consultant Dr Rosli Azad Khan said TODs can be expensive and often ignore middle- and lower-income groups. 

“Those who can afford TOD will still own cars, defeating the purpose. Existing TOD areas must be fully accessible before approving new ones," he stressed.

Transport researcher Nischal Ranjinath Muniandy highlighted the need for direct, frequent bus connections to cut long commute times. 

Dr Suhana Koting from Universiti Malaya stressed improving first-and-last-mile connectivity with better pedestrian paths, bike lanes, mini bus stations, and micromobility options to make public transport more practical and appealing.

Source: The Star.