Transport expert: Bus lanes better than LRTs for Penang

Free Malaysia Today: "GEORGE TOWN: A dedicated bus lane straddling existing roads is the best bet to alleviate traffic in Penang than the elevated Light Rail Transit (LRT), a transport academic from Australia shared yesterday.
University of Queensland urban planning lecturer Dr Dorina Pojani said the system, commonly known as Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), was the cheapest and the most effective way to allay traffic woes.
She said BRTs would cost one-tenth that of LRTs and has seen great take-up and effectiveness in South American countries such as Colombia.
Pojani said BRTs were a perfect fit for medium-sized townships like George Town and many other parts of Penang."

Malaysia - high fares not good for public transport

Towards better public transport | New Straits Times | Malaysia General Business Sports and Lifestyle News: " A word of caution is necessary. Success of the network to enhance the economy will depend on affordability. Threats of fare increase on a regular basis do little to endear the system to those who need it most. On economics alone to be the criteria, fares of a system costing billions are unfair on consumers whose contribution to economic growth and development is indisputable. After all, there can be no burdening of consumers who vote with their feet.

A just and fair fare structure must be formulated. A strong sense of social responsibility for what is essentially a public utility is unavoidable. The government cannot absolve itself of financial responsibility for the upkeep of the rail network especially. It is an economic infrastructure necessity and the fares must, therefore, reflect this fact. --"