Rants and raves of a non-driver

I've just about had it with the local public transportation network. When I first started my career here in KL, among the more popular comments I received were 'It's a car-driving' society around here' or 'I'll guarantee that in 3 months you'll be getting a car'. And I really resented those well-meant words. I resented them because of the fact that they were so true.


All those out there who have never had to experience the joys of public transport, count your blessings. Seen any of those bright cheerful posters plastered all around the train/lrt stations, particularly the KTM stations? Something about it saving time and money and to top it all, you get an enjoyable ride all the way? HAH, BULLDUST. Unless, of course, you enjoy waiting for ages just for the train to turn up, only to find it bursting at the seams with people clutching precariously at the railings. Oh, and who could forget the fact that you're squished up against unknown strangers, body odour and all, with hardly space to bring your hand up to scratch an itchy nose. And when the train pulls up at your stop, and you're stuck somewhere halfway up the train..... it looks like you'll be going for a joyyyyyyride, except that it won't be joyful in the least.

And now, thanks to the recent fuel price hike, people just can't seem to get enough of public transport. The commuters are squeezed so tightly in the compartments, even sardine manufacturers would be impressed. And if before you could barely move a hand, now you couldn't even wriggle a finger. So many arms and legs (and other body parts) would be pressed against you, you can't even differentiate the innocent ones from the sexual harassments. Okay, so maybe I'm exaggerating a little, but you get the point.

But... have no fear! The government is set to put our minds at ease with the new train extensions that were recently featured in the papers. Due to be completed in....... 2012. IF it can even be completed by then. The government has been famous, or should I say infamous, for enthusiastically anouncing projects, fiddling half-heartedly about with them, delaying the progress, and finally neglecting them altogether in favour of another newly commenced project. It's bad enough that they're making long-term promises that might never end up being fulfilled, they're not even doing anything to ease the flow in the short-term. Take the KTM service for instance, I shudder just to think of it. The delays are so long, a huge crowd would have gathered by the time the train arrives. And despite being one of the first there, you might very well not make it in the train at all. Yes, it's that packed. And believe me, I'm not the only one fed up about it. If you look closely at the walls in KL Sentral, you'll see scribblings of 'KTM sux'.

The least they could do: increase train frequencies. Or at least be on time! If you wanna raise fuel prices, fine. But for god's sake, improve your public transport system first.