I HAVE always thought that the failure of public transportation in this country could have negative effects on our communities.

Recently, it came to my attention that economic activities in Port Dickson are in decline. It has been said that the cancellation of the town’s public bus service more than two years ago contributed to this decline.

Without a public bus service, taxi drivers are taking the upper hand, raising their rates and making it difficult for residents and tourists to travel around.

Daytrippers, those who have their own car or those willing to stay and spend money at local resorts are probably not concerned about the lull in Port Dickson.

But in the long run, the lifestyle of residents and business owners will be affected when people lose their mobility.

So, why was the bus service cancelled?

The answer is simple. It was cancelled because of privatisation. Bus operators have no choice but to focus on profitable routes (such as the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore or KL-Klang express bus routes), rather than unprofitable ones like the bus service in Port Dickson.

Unfortunately, our officials continue to promote the idea that public transportation is a business, and ideally should be handled by individual operators.

This is why the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board is still a part of the Entrepreneur and Co-operative Development Ministry.

This is also why RapidKL has shifted its operations and become more profit-oriented rather than service-oriented.

The sad thing about this is that people still fail to understand the important social and economic role played by good public transport services.

During the election campaign, the rakyat were told about plans for “improving” public transportation, but these “improvements” usually focus on grand projects (like the Malacca Aerorail) rather than simple, reliable services.

Ultimately, it is the simple, reliable services (like buses) that will make the biggest difference.

If we cannot appreciate public transport for what it is, perhaps we can understand the positive effect that good public transportation will have on the economy.

The ministries, local governments and groups like Pemudah have to understand that effective public transportation generates business and helps economic growth by encouraging people to go out and spend money.

MOAZ YUSUF AHMAD, Subang Jaya

Source: NST – March 10, 2008