| Siti Hajar |
THE Ministry of Communications has set the end of 2016 and first two months of 2017 as the target date to implement a reliable and efficient public transportation system.
In a recent interview, with Dato Paduka Awang Haji Mustappa bin Haji Sirat, the Minister of Communications said that his ministry is looking to leverage on the country’s existing bus network by focussing on locations most frequented by locals and tourists.
“We are giving ourselves this target date, otherwise we would take our time,” said the minister.
He acknowledged that leeway in terms of timing would be anticipated, but nevertheless gave the assurance: “We will keep moving towards this goal.”
The minister explained that the plans include opening up routes near schools, selected residential areas, places of interest, central business districts, hospitals, hotels and the airport.
He said that time would be the main encouraging factor to the growth of the public transportation network, while public involvement is key to the project’s success, adding that promoting public awareness would also be among the ministry’s main goals: “Whenever they need to travel, there will always been transportation available to them.”
Minister of Communications Dato Paduka Awang Haji Mustappa bin Haji Sirat at the BSB Central Bus Station. – FILE PHOTO
While disclosing that the ministry’s staff and the public in general have been supportive of the plan that aims to emulate reliable bus services in other countries, the minister expressed his confidence that the target date would be met.
Citing examples in neighbouring countries such as Singapore, the minister explained that public transportation can be found within 20, 50 and 100 metres of key locations, and it is the ministry’s hope to establish a similar network.
“We have to start somewhere and build the network in increments; and as the demand grows, we will be able to provide more services,” he said, at the same time adding that revenue generated from the ambitioned improvement would be reinvested in the system to fund further development.
The planned changes are aimed at improving the welfare and livelihood of those who are uunable to purchase their own vehicles, as well as providing a transportation alternative for students.
The minister also revealed that the Ministry of Development will provide the initiative with infrastructural upgrades, such as specific bus routes and the construction of interchange facilities.
The minister added that invitations would be soon issued for public-private partnerships, including foreign direct investors, for the provisions of inter-state, or inter-district bus services, including bus terminals fitted with ticket booths and eateries, where passengers can wait in comfort while waiting for bus arrivals.
At the same time, the minister also announced that once these new facilities are launched, the Bandar Seri Begawan bus terminal would no longer be in use, and would be returned to the municipal department.
“Buses need to be constantly on the move,” he said, explaining the decommissioning of the capital’s bus terminal.
“What we are looking at is regulating the elements of government intervention, and ensuring that services are reliable and adhered to in terms of frequency, safety as well as comfort.”
The minister also expressed his gratitude for the allocation given to his ministry to conduct projects, until the onset of the next financial year.
“There are no issues in terms of budgeting,” he assured. “Our projects will take place.”
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