Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Better connectivity in Iskandar

By Sharen Kaur
Published in NST on October 7, 2013

THE implementation of the Transportation Blueprint (2010-2030) for Iskandar Malaysia in Johor will help to transform the region into a bustling business district and enhance its global competitiveness.

Plans for Iskandar include a regional rail transit commuter system connecting Nusajaya, Kulaijaya, Johor Baru and Pasir Gudang using the existing KTM rail infrastructure; inter-city lines; the proposed rail transit system (RTS) linking Johor Baru and Singapore; and the high speed rail (HSR) from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore.

"Proper railway connectivity like RTS and HSR will attract new domestic and foreign investments," said Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA) head of projects and project management office Mohamad Sa'elal.

Iskandar has attracted RM118.93 billion in total investments since its inception in 2006, and 66 per cent were domestic-driven.

The blueprint includes forming an integrated transit terminal network to link major towns and gateway terminals; developing a bus rapid transit system linking Johor Baru with Skudai, Johor Jaya and Nusajaya; and providing subur ban feeder bus services.

It also looks at improvements to taxi services and a demand-responsive transport system; water taxis, ferries and cruise boats; and school bus zoning, said Mohamad.

He said the blueprint aims to encourage use of non-motorist transport, smart development and green technology to reduce carbon emission.

It will improve public transport modal split from 18 per cent currently to 50 per cent by 2030 and optimise road network and reduce car dependency from 500 cars to 300 cars for every 1,000 population, he said.

"We expect an increase in tourism and leisure activities. Real estate development will also mushroom and the construction sector will be busy," Mohamad said.

IRDA has formed Perbadanan Pengangkutan Awam Iskandar Malaysia to spearhead the implementation of projects based on approved plans.

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