Malaysia urban planner quits his party, challenges govt on road-building plans

Free Malaysia Today : "GEORGE TOWN: There will be no end to Penang’s traffic problems if the state government presses on with its current transport master plan (PTMP), transport scholar Roger Teoh said.
Teoh said the “building more roads approach” taken by the PTMP would be useless in the long run, as many studies, he claimed, had shown how bad it could be.
Teoh told FMT Penang officials were using weak arguments to counter his concerns, which were backed with numbers."

‘Penang people demand quick solutions to transport woes’

Free Malaysia Today : "GEORGE TOWN: The state government must take concrete action when the public demands immediate solutions to Penang’s traffic congestion, a DAP grassroots leader said today.
Penang island city councillor Chris Lee Chun Kit said the state government could not tell the people to wait for improvements to public transport infrastructure when Penang was already choked with traffic, especially during long weekends and school holidays.
“They don’t want to wait for public transport infrastructure improvements that may not even come,” he told FMT."

Reduced #publictransit fare for seniors in Singapore

The Straits Times: "Seniors will soon get to enjoy more perks with a new free card - which offers concession fares on public transport and discounts on items such as groceries and plane tickets.

The PAssion Silver Concession Card was launched yesterday to make it easier for seniors to stay active and be engaged in the community. It will be free for every Singaporean aged 60 and above. The new card merges the Senior Citizen Concession and PAssion cards."

Helicopter money -- big mistake -- make more buses #farefree instead

Thailand Is Giving Cash To Low-Income Families To Help Fix Their Economy: "In a bid to combat this and kickstart the weakening economy, the government has approved plans to give low-income families a one-time payout."

Capitalism is a trickle-up economy. That is why austerity makes things worse. But pushing money to the bottom is equally risky as it could lead to devaluation/inflation. Here is a chance to change the culture and reduce the wasteful private auto. Thailand already has many fare-free buses. This plan should be expanded instead of handing out money which might be spent on cars.

False promise of #ParisAgreement against the reality of demand for more cars

The Star Online : "Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand and Malaysia all rank in the top 10 countries globally in terms of intention to acquire a car within the next two years. Around four in five Indonesian and Thai consumers (81% and 79% respectively) intend to buy a car within the next two years, as do three-quarters of Filipinos (76%) and seven out of 10 Malaysians (71%), compared to just 65% globally.

“Historically automotive demand in South-East Asia has been relatively low, and for many households owning a car has been financially out of reach,” said Chang Park, Managing Director of Nielsen’s Automotive Industry Group in South-East Asia, North Asia and Pacific.

“We have seen those tables turn in a big way in recent years, however, largely due to rising income levels across the region as more and more households join the middle class and attain the financial means to make their first car purchase.”

Intention to upgrade among car owners here is also high, particularly in Indonesia (the highest globally), and the Philippines (seventh highest)."

Penang’s challenge: More highways or good public transportation

Free Malaysia Today : "Penang is at an important crossroad. Which road will it take? Will the State ignore scientific evidence and make policies based on personal whims and populism by over investing in highways to please car users? Or will it show far-sighted and courageous leadership by building and improving public transport; educate and lead the public along this new road of sustainable public transport system? Investing more and more on highways undermines a good public transport system."

Cabinet approves extension of free bus, train service

Coconuts Bangkok: "The cabinet yesterday approved a THB2.2 billion project to extend free bus and train services for another six months.
Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith said the free public transport service will be extended to the end of April of 2017, Daily News reported.
There are currently 800 free buses and 152 free trains in service. The free ride scheme was initiated in 2008 during Samak Sundaravej’s term as prime minister and has been continued ever since to help lower travel expenses for low-income people."