Minister of Transport Hints at E-Hailing Incentives for Train Passengers
It appears that the Ministry of Transport is considering to add a subsidy specifically for e-hailing rides heading towards train stations.
Ministry Of Transport: Subsidized E-Hailing Rides Coming Soon?
The Malaysian Minister of Transport, Anthony Loke, has revealed that the government is considering subsidizing e-hailing rides to solve the issue of first and last-mile connectivity problems for public transport systems. This initiative is being proposed to encourage the public to use trains more by providing incentives. Loke did not provide any details about how the subsidy would work during a Q&A session in Parliament, but said his ministry is studying the financial implications of such a move.
The proposal was raised in response to a supplementary question from Jerantut MP Khairil Nizam Khirudin, who asked about the possibility of lowering fare rates for e-hailing through subsidies for lower-income groups that need to use the service to get to train stations. In response, the minister disclosed that his ministry is looking into providing incentives for e-hailing services, specifically for people to travel to and from train stations.
Furthermore, Loke has asked the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) to allow e-hailing firms to introduce ride-sharing features, where drivers can pick up more than one passenger during the same trip, resulting in lower fares. While the details of how the subsidy will work and its implementation remain unclear, the Malaysian government is taking steps to address the issue of last-mile connectivity by developing e-hailing apps for on-demand vans and piloting projects that offer vans as on-demand feeder buses serving LRT stations.
This is not the first time that Loke has proposed ride-sharing for both taxis and e-hailing services. Grab previously offered a ride-share option for cheaper rides a few years ago, but it was gradually scrapped in 2019. With the government’s support for e-hailing services, Malaysians may soon see better access to public transport systems and affordable transportation options.
Pokdepinion: It would be a good move by the Ministry of Transport for sure, especially with many people relying on public transport to go to work everyday. If implemented properly, it could help ease traffic as well, something we all know we need in Klang Valley. Also, hehe, Kumpool.
