The pedestrianising of large parts of Johor Bahru around the RTS Link station has been proposed in order to reduce traffic congestion ahead of the station’s opening next year, reported The Star.
Former deputy international trade and industry minister, Ong Kian Ming said that at least 180 degrees around the Bukit Chagar RTS Link station should be set aside strictly for pedestrians.
“This is because the Johor Bahru city centre is already congested as it is and the RTS Link is expected to transport up to 10,000 passengers per hour in each direction. If you hope for them to take e-hailing without having traffic dispersal modes like the Automated Rapid Transit and a good bus transport system out of the RTS Link, it is going to be gridlocked from day one,” Ong said.
Pedestrianising areas within a 500 metre radius of the station could help address dispersal challenges, while creating opportunities for commercial development and vibrant public spaces, he continued.
“This would create opportunities for development of public spaces where people can hold events and make the Johor Bahru city centre a place that is alive, not just where people come and disperse to other places,” he said.
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Ah planning…still a good thing to do first. Wonder if there was any thought given to it during the initial stages.
malaysians better stay in own country to work . why want go to singapore which has buildings with inadequate facilities. at singapore all the buildings dont even have prayer room . here every single commerical building , office, mall, condo has that.
Just my take. Avoid getting too ambitious with ideas of commercial and social space. As good and welcoming as they are, the execution of those in Malaysia is usually lackluster, especially when there is no clear demand.
Get the pedestrianisation right first. Wide walkways, durable covering as shelter, greeneries, crosswalks (the full type across all intersections, not just a half-baked 1-sided across one street), clear marking/signs for pedestrians and cars alike, and more importantly, strong strong strong enforcement against vehicles. Without the latter, you get cars and motors parked right along the walkway just because.
Typical species won’t use pedestrian pathways, they always practice Jaywalking