Think first before investing in more BRT lines, say experts

Transport experts in Selangor have advised that before expanding the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, officials must carefully consider several factors. Wan Agyl Wan Hassan, founder of MY Mobility Vision, suggested the state should assess whether there's a genuine need for wider BRT coverage, whether current public transport services are meeting demand, and whether they are well integrated.

The committee is looking towards Jakarta's extensive BRT network as a model, but experts are urging Selangor to identify travel patterns and gaps in the existing services first.

Some areas may merely require improved bus routes and increased frequency, while others might benefit from dedicated bus lanes or even full BRT systems, depending on the demand. Goh Bok Yen, a transport planning consultant, pointed out that the Klang Valley already possesses ample public transport options; the issue lies in the lack of integration among MRT, LRT, and bus services. He emphasized that these services should function as a unified system instead of individually.

Transport academic Ahmad Farhan Sadullah cautioned that BRT carries fewer passengers than LRT or MRT and should complement existing rail lines instead of competing against them. He suggested BRT could serve to transport passengers from densely populated areas without rail access to nearby LRT or MRT stations, enabling them to continue their journey.

Cost and available space are crucial factors when deciding whether BRT should be elevated or run at street level. If elevated, it must have its own dedicated lane for optimal service.