Intelligent transport system: the way forward for public transport in Kuala Lumpur / Mohd Zamreen Mohd Amin

In any planning effort, a co-ordinated approach among various systems is of paramount importance in achieving set goals. The public transport services in urban areas need to be more flexible and fully integrated to meet the dynamics of commuter demand. An approach in the form of Intelligent Transport System (ITS) need to be taken in order to solve or rectify today's myriad of problems being faced by public transport operators. This approach should be accepted in their operation which include the system, modes and also in jurisdictional aspects. ITS are considered to be an innovative approach for the public transport operator to provide the desired level of service, which include some hi-tech element in their passenger management system. In this thesis, an effort has been made to draw a framework that will determine how the concept of ITS can be applied in improving public transport in Kuala Lumpur. The research covers preliminary studies on ITS, commitment of local operators in having the ITS approach in their current operation and also to draw the line where the ITS can be recognised in the public transport operations in Kuala Lumpur. The research is confmed to the area of Kuala Lumpur and only consider the main public transport operators. All the information has been collected through interview with several public transport operators, Hterature survey and observation. The collection of data has been analysed with SWOT (strength,weakness, opportunity & threat) analysis and depicted in simple statistical diagrams. The research then produced a strategy to explore the possibility of applying ITS in Kuala Lumpur's public transport. It will include the role that should be played by the public transport operators in their managerial, fïnancial and operation activities. The research has also identified, in its endeavour to uncover the concept and applicability of ITS, some potential areas, where further research can be pursued.