Flyovers Won’t Fix Penang’s Traffic - Analysts

Penang’s transport chief Zairil Khir Johari has recently defended the state’s heavy investment in infrastructure from new flyovers to the long-awaited LRT arguing these projects are the most practical way to ease gridlock. 

He dismissed proposals for bus-only lanes as “unrealistic”, pointing out that buses still share the same crowded roads.

But transport consultant Wan Agyl Wan Hassan says this mindset risks repeating mistakes made in cities worldwide. 

“Every new road just attracts more cars. Without managing demand through better buses, parking controls or peak-hour pricing, congestion simply moves elsewhere,” said Wan Agyl, founder of the think tank MY Mobility Vision, in comments to FMT.

He insists buses can be part of the solution if given proper lanes and enforcement. 

“Buses don’t fly, but they can glide. Cities like Bogotá and Seoul have proven that well-planned bus systems can match trains in speed and reliability,” he said.

Wan Agyl backs the LRT as a long-term fix but warns it could take years before Penangites feel the benefits. 

“We need a 50-year solution like rail, but also five-year fixes people can see today like buses, ferries, better traffic management,” he added.

UPM vice-chancellor and transport academic Farhan Sadullah agrees. 

He cautions that road projects offer only “short-lived relief”, locking the city into a cycle of jams followed by more construction. 

“Infrastructure is important, but without integrated planning and demand control, Penang will never escape gridlock,” he said.

Source: FMT