Congestion Charges On Vehicles Entering KL Being Studied, Says Wee Ka Siong
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The government is looking at the feasibility of congestion charges on vehicles entering Kuala Lumpur.
If all goes well, the congestion charges will be implemented after the public transport network system is completed by 2030, said Transport Minister Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong.
He said such a system has already being implemented in major cities around the world with exceptions being given to electric vehicles.
We will look at the payment structure for vehicles entering the city once the public transport network system is complete.
Transport Minister Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong on the proposal to implement congestion charges for KL.
Wee added that congestion charges is also good for the environment by reducing carbon emissions.
The Ayer Hitam MP was replying to an additional question from Lembah Pantai MP Fahmi Fadzil.
Fahmi had asked if the government plan to impose congestion fees on vehicles entering Kuala Lumpur after the Mass Rapid Transit 3 (MRT3) project is completed.
What Is A Congestion Charge
The congestion charge is a daily levy imposed on drivers choosing to drive within a certain part of a city.
Drivers can pay the charge in advance or on the day of travel.
The scheme is usually monitored by cameras on roads across the congestion charge zone.
Besides reducing traffic congestion, the aim is also to improve bus services and encourage motorists to use public transport instead of their cars.
Opinions are divided among netizens on the feasibility of a congestion charge for KL.
Many feel that it would only hurt the economy by imposing extra charges on the people.
Others said it is nothing more than another revenue generator for the government.
Netizens also pointed out that KL’s public infrastructure has much to improve when compared to major cities around the world such as London.
At the same time, some are just plain sceptical with ideas coming from politicians.
What KL need is not MRT3.
— khalid karim STOP MRT3 (@khalidkarim) March 15, 2022
We need 4,000 more buses ~dedicated bus lanes,some BRT corridors comprehensive good frequency coverage (everyone getting a reliable bus service within 400 m of home & office)
Cost only a fraction of MRT3 with money to spare for other more critical needs pic.twitter.com/3PfJmtw9iF
There are also concerns that the fee would increase over time, as what is happening in London.
The Last Piece Of KL’s Transit System Jigsaw Puzzle
Earlier, Wee said the MRT3, which was approved by the Cabinet on March 4, was expected to be completed by 2030.
The first phase is expected to open to the public as early as Dec 2028 subject to the land acquisition process.
The 51km MRT3 line will comprise 39km passing through Kuala Lumpur and the remaining 12km line in Selangor.
Wee added that the project was financed hybrid through sukuk, government co-guarantee and deferred payment financing.
The route will bypass the existing rail system, including MRT1, MRT2, Light Rail Transit, KL Monorail and KTM, with 10 new interchange stations.
As much as 80% of the routes are multi-storey while the remaining 20% are underground routes.
Transport Minister Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong on the routes of MRT3.
The MRT Corp just proposed another alignment to the goverment today for the MRT3 Circle Line.
— 히카리 히다얏 (@mnhidayatfisal) March 15, 2022
Dubbed as the final piece of KL public transport connectivity, the tendel will be open on May 2022, construction works targeted to start on quarter one 2023. pic.twitter.com/lCFtBGtceA
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