Fatal accidents involving express busses

This refers to the accidents in the early morning near the Rawang toll plaza last week. Six lives were lost including the co driver. Yesterday the bus drivers were brought to courts.

• Punitive measures alone will not help to reduce the incidents.

• We have seen many accidents before. And the drivers were also dealt with in accordance to the law. But the accidents keep on happening.

• Something is amiss here. Did we overlooked something basics here.

• Those accidents are they the problems or are they the symptoms to the bigger problems.

• Let's benchmarked with the transport mode that have the best safety records. The air transportion.

• Air transportation have the following system in place:
~ Comprehensive law
~ Procedures on ownership
~ Registration of aircrafts
~ maintenance of aircrafts,
~ flight operations,
~ air and ground safety,
~ training,
~ licensing
~ And last but not least an enforcement agency that bites.
~ trade associations
~ consumer associations
~ close rapport between manufacturers, operators, employees and the consumers.

• The whole system is functioning well in air transportation

• Perhaps the road transport authority should learn from their air transport conterpart in the same ministry on the systems development.

• System thinking rather than fire fighting.
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Traffic Generator

The morning peak traffic congestion after the Putrajaya- KL toll exit.



Highways and Roads are traffic generators especially in urban areas. The more highways we build the more traffic it will attracts. Increasing the problem of traffic congestion. The solution that we choose is a problem.



Its about time we choose a different transport solution. Perhaps we should be more serious about public transportation.





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Simple rules but very difficult to follow

This picture I took at the round about of section 20 Shah Alam, this morning.

The MPV is about to cut in and beat the queue. She knew very well there are others who have been patiently waiting in line.

She looks educated but then unable to follow basic social rules of modern day living. I am sure this is not the first time she did it.

Be courteous and follow basic traffic rules should be the norms if we want to be regarded as a citizen of a develop economy.

If adults are doing it, why complained about MAT REMPIT !!!

End/ Zahir
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The new Skypark Terminal Subang

The new Skypark terminal at Subang is taking shape. What used to be the domestic terminal 3 is now transformed as an international integrated air transportation terminal. Apart from Firefly and Berjaya Air arrivals and departures, it also cater for business and private jets. An exclusive world class FBO operates from the terminal.

Work will also start soon on a huge comercial and business center opposite the terminal. It will also incorporate a rail link.

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Air Disaster

Today as usual on Saturday morning after my morning prayers I would spent time catching up with the news. Oh no!! another air disaster, and again happening in very bad weather conditions.  After all this years when we thought that the industry has manage to get their act together to ensure zero accidents. In fact few accidents have been recorded recently. As someone from the air travel industry I am saddened by these events. It looks like we are back to our drawing boards...

This accidents that I've attached is the latest happenings. My condolences to all the families, passengers and crew members.

A commuter plane crashed into a suburban Buffalo home and erupted in flames late Thursday, killing all 48 people aboard and one person on the ground, authorities said.

AirDisaster.Com News: Continental Connection/Colgan Q400 crashes in Buffalo, NY

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Kota Belud traffic

I stopped-by at Kota Belud on my way to Kota Kinabalu from Kundasang. This is a town that support many rural areas.

As most rural transport in this area utilized private cars, vans and the four wheel drive utility vehicles one would find this town's traffic is very congested.

To me this is most unfortunate as this impact the mobility of visitors to this town. The town has many unique attractions for tourists visiting Sabah. The local authority and Sabah Tourism need to do something about the situation.

Labuan Ferry Service

This is a ferry plying between Labuan and Menumbok in Sabah. This service provide accessibility to Labuan Island for the carriage of people, vehicles and goods. However there are only two services per day, which is inadequate. In my opinion the government should be the provider of the services. With every ferry service by the hour should enhanced the acccessibility and thereby increased the population economic activities.

Air Transport 2009

The year 2009 will be a very challenging time for air transport.
• The open sky in Asean as the result of AFTA means greater competition. This will put pressure for airline to reduce price and increase value for customers.

• The expected downturn in global economy will see many companies reducing corporate travels. Many will opt for the backend cheaper seats.

• The manufacturing sector is embracing itself with lower capacity. Thus will translate into low volume of cargo movement.

• The credit crunch will affect airlines that have large borrowings. Increasing interest rates and scarcity of funds will put pressure in the purchasing of newer and cost efficient aircrafts.

The one with strong basics will survive the challenge.
• Lean organization
• Low cost
• Excellent customer service
• Efficent utilization of aircraft
• Greater network

End/ Zahir

The Escalators of Hong Kong

 

Photographer and Polar Inertia editor Mac Kane writes:

Twisting up through the narrow streets of Hong Kong is the world’s longest escalator system, spanning over 800m. The escalators, moving walkways and pedestrian bridges connect the downtown financial district to the mid-levels, a upscale neighborhood of condominium towers where many executives live. The escalator system was conceived to alleviate car traffic by helping commuters travel efficiently to work while providing protection from rain. The escalators have proven to be very popular, carrying over 45,000 people a day.

Pruned: The Escalators of Hong Kong

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The Use Of Helicopters For Disaster Relief

In the last few weeks I have seen on television catastrophic natural disasters like floods, earthquake, storms and accidents happening all over the world. Often wonders what roles do transport play in providing relief to all those victims. I found an article about the versatility of helicopters which is very interesting. ...Azmokhtar



Helicopters have become an indispensable aid for dealing with disasters. They particularly come into their own when they are put into operation during the initial stages after the disaster has taken place. People who have fallen victim to a catastrophe or are endangered by a disaster cannot afford to wait until a “clearer picture” of the damage has been established. In fact, the helicopter can contribute towards establishing this picture, and as a result should be promptly called out as soon as “a major occurrence” has taken place. It is advisable that the procedures for rescue operations of this kind are prepared in advance by an authorised body. The final decision-making powers should be delegated as far as possible to those at the scene of the disaster. Otherwise considerable time might be wasted which could lead to very serious consequences

The Use Of Helicopters For Disaster Relief

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MIRI down town

Like most malaysian towns, Miri also uses a grid iron urban structure. This kind of urban structure is less friendly to public transits. As such in this part of the city you hardly find a bus transit service. The common form of public transport taxis and car rentals. As such moving around the city for a visitor like me is expensive and difficult. To make Malaysian towns tourist attractive a good public transport is important.


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Boat arrive from Murudi at Miri Jetty

The boat just arrive from Murudi. This jetty is located close to Brunei border.
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MIRI

A good example of inland waterways in Miri, Sarawak. The boats are ferrying commuters from Miri and Murudi. The bridge you see on the background is the Asean Bridge which connects to the Brunei Immigration and Customs check points. Before the bridge was constructed commuters have to us ferry to reach the check point. I was there for a family trip. In fact on the following day I cross over using a SUV to go to Bandar Seri Begawan.

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Please consider the poor

With the high cost of fuel, I am appealing to all to consider the impact of the situation to the poor.

How do the poor travel?

What are the impact on their travel behaviours?

The poor will be most affected by the recent increase in fuel prices. Eventhough they may not owned automobiles but many of them depended heavily on motorcycles. There are those who are heavily depended on public transportation.

While vehicle owners in Malaysia received cash subsidies, the poor have to pay more. This seems to be a paradox.

The poor should be given more subsidies by the government. A mechanism should be formulated to assist them.

Transport is for all. Its a basic need of modern human being. In which they are able to move themselves in order to seek provisions for their lives.

Let's do the right thing.
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Rising fuel cost

Subject: Rising fuel cost

Recenly the price of fuel has been on an increasing trend, globally. Those country that produces oil, the impact of the increases is lesser felt compared to those who depended fully from oil imports.

Malaysia like other countries had raised the price of fuel. And because of this action there are many chain reactions resulting in other increases of manufactured products, foods and services.

From a transport professional perspective, this situation will require changes in travel behaviours.

People should use more public transportation. Or pooling together for common trips. And using more productive modes. For example moving goods by rail is cheaper than trucking it on roads for longer distances. Inland waterways is another potential and cheaper alternative.

Governments at federal, state and local level should be facilitators and role models to ease the public difficulties. They should develop comprehensive plans to be implemented at all levels across the country. Prefessionals should be engaged in helping to resolve this common issue. Politics alone won't solve the issues and problems.

Keep Mobile - Transport for Elderly and Disabled Borough Residents

If we walk thru the streets in many major towns in Malaysia, one would wonder...What happened to the elderlies?
There are so few of them on the streets. In fact is difficult to find one!!
Why?

I think it is because of their peculiar requirements that have impaired their mobility. Perhaps they need some special services to enhance their mobility.

I found some information, which I paste below that we in Malaysia could ponder and plan...Azmokhtar



Keep Mobile - Transport for Elderly and Disabled Borough

ResidentsKeep Mobile is an established voluntary organisation, designed specially to provide transport for elderly and disabled borough residents enabling them to retain their independence.ServicesKeep Mobile provides the following services, all of which are door to door:

* Dial A Ride (DAR) - Members can telephone to book a journey anywhere up to 15 miles from your home. Members must book their journey at least 2 days in advance.

* Long Distance Personal Travel - Members can be transported to any destination in the UK. All transportation is subject to vehicle availability.

* Shopping Trips - A regular weekly service to local towns with sufficient time to shop or meet friends.

* Day Excursions - Trips to places of interest as published in the Members Monthly Programme. MembershipMembership is open to anyone who is disabled (whatever age) and elderly people.

Self certification is all that is needed, there is normally no independent evidence required. You will need to reside in the areas covered by Bracknell Forest Borough Council.Membership costs £1.00 for life and entitles you to the Dial A Ride Service.

To receive the Monthly Programme and the newsletter there is a yearly subscription, which at this time is £12 per year. This entitles you to Keep Mobile's other services such as the Day Excursions.

A full membership therefore costs £13.00.If you would like to join please contact Keep Mobile using the details on the right.Booking Line (08453 456 696)For DIAL A RIDE and shopping trips only. Bookings require at least 2 days notice.This number is usually manned between 9am and 1pm, Monday to Friday. If you get an answerphone you can leave your transport request by giving name, destination, departure time, appointment time (if any) and return time. Please phone the following day for confirmation of the trip.General Enquiry Line (01189 793 778)For all enquiries and other calls.Our office hours are 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. Occasionally the office may be unmanned if a volunteer has been called out to drive or escort (our top priority). Please leave a short message on the answerphone and someone will call you back.

Keep Mobile - Transport for Elderly and Disabled Borough Residents

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Transport For The Poor, BOGOTA

Water POLLUTION

Today I was lecturing to a class of CILT students on the subject of transport policy. Among the topics that we discussed was the contribution of transportation activities to pollution of the natural environment. And one element that is so close to our well being is water.

I think the site below could be a very good starting point for someone to understand the issues about water pollution.

This coming 22nd April, Malaysia with many other countries will celebrate EARTH DAY. As we celebrate let us remind ourself to be part of the solution rather than be part of the problem. HAPPY EARTH DAY...

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Earth Day 21st April

The City of Los Angeles Earth Day special...

New Malaysian Goverment Ministers after 12th GE