Public Transport Ridership Surges, Safety Delays Remain A Challenge

Public transport in Malaysia appears to be regaining public trust, with Prasarana recording a sharp rise in rail and bus ridership in 2025. According to transport experts, the jump in passenger numbers is a strong sign that recent improvements to the network are starting to pay off.

Last year, Prasarana Malaysia Bhd averaged 1.31 million passengers a day across its services, up 11% from 1.18 million in 2024. Associate Professor Law Teik Hua of Universiti Putra Malaysia described the numbers as something “worth cheering about”, saying they support the country’s goals to reduce traffic congestion and lower emissions.

In an interview with The Star, he stated that the increase reflects better operations and reliability across the system. However, Law cautioned that growth in urban ridership this year could slow slightly due to the delayed opening of the Shah Alam LRT line.

The 37km line, which runs from Bandar Utama to Johan Setia, was originally scheduled to begin operations in Sept last year. Transport Minister Anthony Loke recently confirmed that the project has yet to enter its Fault-Free Run (FFR) phase due to unresolved technical issues. 

The FFR is a crucial stage where the system must operate continuously without failure before it can open to the public.

While delays have frustrated commuters, Law defended the government’s decision to put safety first. Skipping or rushing safety tests just to meet a deadline, he said, would be irresponsible and potentially dangerous.

“Large projects often face delays, and that’s understandably frustrating. But the FFR is a vital test. Ignoring it for the sake of a launch date could compromise passenger safety and the long-term performance of the system,” he told the news portal.

Despite the setback, Law does not expect the delay to have a lasting impact on public transport usage. Demand for rail services in the Klang Valley, he said, is strong and typically rebounds once new lines start operating.

He also pointed out that the Shah Alam LRT line will eventually provide a much-needed alternative to the KTM Komuter, which is currently undergoing major double-track rehabilitation works. 

"With LRT catering to frequent urban trips and KTM serving longer-distance travel, having both systems in place improves reliability and reduces pressure on a single network," Law added.

Beyond the immediate issue, he highlighted a broader challenge in how infrastructure projects are communicated to the public. Law noted that timelines are often announced before all technical hurdles are cleared, leading to disappointment when delays happen.

To improve public confidence, he suggested authorities take a different approach by keeping people informed about testing progress and safety requirements, rather than focusing too heavily on projected opening dates.

"By explaining why certain checks are needed and how testing is progressing, the public would better understand delays and trust the system more when it finally opens," he concluded.

Source: The Star.