Sunday, November 1, 2009

2010 BUDGET: Ensure disabled are able to use public transport

NEWSTRAITSTIMES
http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/articles/20091027083815/Article/index_html

2009/10/27

V. MURUGESWARAN, President Damai Disabled Persons Association of Selangor

THE 2010 Budget announced last week was a positive one for all Malaysians.

The Budget has allocated RM9 billion to finance infrastructure projects.


This allocation should be utilised in the best possible manner, that is, making the existing public transport system, built environment and public amenities, which are largely inaccessible to the disabled community, more conducive to their use.


I also note that there are allocations to acquire 35 units of light rail transit trains, eight electric multiple units of Komuter hybrid trains, e t c.


The authorities should take into consideration the current Komuter and LRT services (except for Putra LRT ), which are largely inaccessible to the disabled community, before proceeding to make these acquisit i o n s.


These purchases should cater for the disabled as well.


The establishment of the Public Land Transport Commission next year is a very good move by the government to ensure there is an authority to monitor and enforce service standards for urban public transport.


The establishment of the commis - sion has been long awaited by many Malaysians, especially the disabled community.


I am of the view that to ensure the commission does its work e f f e c t i ve l y, there should be a representative from the disabled community to provide in - put with regard to accessible transpor tation.

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