Write an article about Why Malaysia must prioritise traditional buses over DRT .Organize the content with appropriate headings and subheadings (h1, h2, h3, h4, h5, h6), Retain any existing tags from
From Boo Jia Cher
The transport ministry is captivated by Demand-Responsive Transit (DRT), with 300 new vans set to roll out by June, and Rapid KL expanding its on-demand zones.
A sum of RM55 million has also been set aside for it under the national budget.
While DRT’s flexibility holds appeal, this significant shift risks sidelining the essential work of improving our core bus network – a misstep that could undermine the long-term viability of public transport in Malaysia.
Hidden pitfalls of DRT
DRT may sound innovative, but it suffers from critical drawbacks that make it an unreliable foundation for mass transit in Malaysia.
DRT is unpredictable as it suffers from long, unpredictable wait times, often between 10 and 45 minutes, making it a poor option for daily commuters.
This lack of predictability directly contributes to Malaysians opting for private vehicles, which offer a greater sense of control and a more reliable journey.
While marketed as “direct-to-destination”, DRT instead functions more like a shared taxi than direct transport, with detours and multiple pickups that significantly extend travel time.
The flat RM1 introductory fare is marketed as promotional – will this affordability extend beyond this period? This raises concerns about eventual price hikes, making the model inherently unstable and potentially exclusionary for lower-income riders who depend on affordable transport.
In truth, DRT is being used to mask more systemic issues: insufficient bus routes, underinvestment in high-frequency services, and poor urban planning. It is a short-term workaround, not a long-term fix.
Proven strength of regular buses
Rather than chasing tech-driven novelty, Malaysia should double down on what works: a robust, reliable bus system.
This includes more frequent buses (every 15 minutes or less), better coverage to key areas, dedicated lanes to beat traffic, express routes on highways but with strict enforcement against lane misuse as well as modern fleets with real-time tracking.
These are not revolutionary ideas. They are proven pillars of successful public transport systems worldwide and remain significantly underutilised in Malaysia.
DRT’s role should be in filling the gaps
DRT certainly has its place, but its role should be clearly defined as complementary, not a replacement.
It can be particularly effective in low-density or rural areas, during off-peak or late-night hours, and for meeting specific transport needs, such as accessible services for seniors and persons with disabilities.
Looking ahead, future models could integrate digital booking with informal street-hailing, similar to Indonesia’s angkot or Thailand’s songthaew. This flexible and accessible combination could be powerful, but only if it enhances, rather than replaces, the core bus network.
Don’t get lost on the detour
A successful public transport system depends on reliability, coverage, and affordability, not tech gimmicks.
While DRT offers potential in specific contexts, pouring resources into it at the expense of regular bus services risks weakening the very foundation of urban mobility.
If DRT truly held the key to mass transit, many other developed nations would have adopted it as their primary solution long ago; Malaysia has not suddenly cracked the secret mystery of urban transport.
Malaysia must resist the allure of quick tech-fixes and reinvest in the basics: high-frequency, well-connected, and dependable bus services, and in the long run, better-planned cities.
That’s the most direct path toward livable cities, reduced congestion, lower emissions, and a more equitable future. Let’s put our money where it truly matters.
Boo Jia Cher is an FMT reader.
The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of FMT.
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