Relocation of Klang bus terminal part of revamp plans

Source : Malaysiakini

S Pathmawathy and Gabrielle Chong | Jan 6, 09 7:04pm

The relocation of the North Klang Bus Terminal to Jalan Meru, seven kilometres from the city centre, is a necessary step to regulate traffic in the often congested town. MCPX Klang Municipal Council (MPK) information officer Norfiza Mahfiz said this today in answer to the recent outcry by business operators and consumer groups who claimed that they have lost more than half of their daily income due to the relocation. “We can’t stay on there for long. It is a bus stop not terminal,” said Norfiza when contacted by Malaysiakini today. According to her, it was a “phase by phase” plan to revamp Klang by 2010 by lessening traffic congestion and reducing vandalism and recurring flash floods in the town. The installation of the new terminal came after the old bus terminal was destroyed in a fire in 2004, which then resulted in areas surrounding the bus stop being severely congested by indiscriminately parked buses. On Dec 27 last year, the MPK had officiated the relocation to Klang Sentral, the new terminal on Jalan Meru which was a build-operate-transfer (BOT) project funded by private developer NPO Development Sdn Bhd. However, those who have been making a living out of the old terminal have been resisting the move, saying the shift would not just result in a loss of income for them but also be a burden to all those who have become accustomed to the old bus station. “This measure was taken to lessen the traffic in the city centre as well as to provide a wider network which would encompass the whole of Klang,” said a statement which was published on the MPK website. On the other hand, Norfiza, said only express buses have been permanently moved to Klang Sentral. Other buses are only to use the terminal as a lay-by and the old bus terminal will now be used as a stop. “Buses going to Kuala Lumpur are still operating from the old terminal and local buses pass by the old bus stop. People travelling outstation, for instance, to Kuantan or Muar, are the ones who would have to travel to Klang Sentral,” she said. “Passengers can take the buses from the five pick-up points which have been made ready by the MPK around the city,” said Norfiza. “If the buses and taxis follow the regulations set by the MPK, everything will move smoothly. “Plus it is a matter of getting used to it. We do it all the time when we have to use public transportation. If you don’t know where you should take the bus that takes you Kuala Lumpur, all you have to do is ask around,” she stated. Moreover, she added that the “move is still at an initial stage therefore, as time goes by people will become used to it and businesses will be looming once more”. Norfiza also addressed the concerns of consumers who had expressed reservations regarding underground liquid petroleum gas pipes (LPG) close to the new terminal, saying that the site has been verified with the relevant authorities and its safety is guaranteed. “We want to look forward now, we have to stop looking backwards,” she stressed. Passengers abandon station Nevertheless, business operators stand by their resistance, alleging that many regular passengers have abandoned the station, with some switching to the bus terminal at Section 16, Shah Alam, instead. Restaurant owner C Krishnan stated that businesses have also plunged by a staggering 70 percent, and the station now operates as a mere pick-up point. “Klang Sentral bus station is now like a ghost town,” exclaimed Krishnan, whose restaurant is close to the old bus terminal. “We are not against the opening of the new bus station at Jalan Meru, but why should the old station be closed down? It has been a vital source of livelihood for numerous people, not to mention an focal point for public transportation.” The situation at the new bus station is not any better either, said Krishnan. “Due to the lack of parking spaces, some bus operators park their buses by the roads instead, causing massive traffic jams and heightening the risk of road accidents. In addition, they face rental rates ten times higher than those at the old station,” he said. Bus operators and traders at the Klang Sentral station have also been touched by Kapar parliamentarian S Manivasagam’s efforts to personally talk to the traders and operators regarding the situation. The MP has been the central figure in a long feud over the issue and resigned as Selangor PKR deputy liaison chairperson on Dec 31, citing disappointment over the failure of Selangor Pakatan Rakyat leaders to meet the needs of the people. “We felt that he was the only one who understood how we were affected by the relocation of the bus station,” said Krishnan. “He was the only one who lent his hand to us, and we are deeply thankful for that. The other politicians, like Teng Chang Khim (Selangor state assembly speaker and Sungai Pinang assemblyperson), have been pro-developer since the beginning. “Manikavasagam and Charles Santiago (Klang MP) had never been invited to a single meeting regarding the development of the new station, so we do not blame them for not being able to take greater action in protesting the relocation”, added Krishnan. Saharuddin Mat Nor, who heads a taxi association, lamented that operators of hired taxis have been unable to compete against operators of metered taxis at the new station. According to Saharuddin, operators of metered taxis have been dominating one of the main terminals and charging rates similar to those of hired taxis. He also expressed hope that the Klang Municipal Council would monitor the new station to ensure that all taxi operators have an equal advantage in soliciting customers. The action committee against the relocation had sent a memorandum to the MPK with suggestions to make the new station at Jalan Meru a regional bus station instead. The committee also said that they would consider taking legal action against the council if it fails to alleviate the situation.