Answer to Written Question PT020

QUESTION

Yang Berhormat Awang Zainol bin Haji Mohamed

YANG BERHORMAT AWANG ZAINOL BIN HAJI MOHAMED requested MENTERI PENGANGKUTAN DAN INFOKOMUNIKASI to state the Ministry’s assessment of the impact of the land transportation system, daily mobility network and dependence on private vehicles on travel time, labour productivity and the cost of living. How are these findings translated into policies or improvements to the national transportation system?

ANSWER

Yang Berhormat Menteri Pengangkutan dan Infokomunikasi

It is a pleasure to share information here on the Land Transportation System projects, particularly projects related to the provision of public transportation services currently being undertaken by the Land Transport Department, Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications. In addition, agencies such as the Public Works Department and the Town and Country Planning Department are responsible for planning and providing road infrastructure, taking into consideration connectivity requirements and traffic congestion.

In this regard, the key indicators report for 2022 in the Social Blueprint indicates progress in transportation connectivity in Negara Brunei Darussalam, particularly through the provision of an extensive road network spanning 3,805.69 km. This has improved residents’ access to important routes and facilities such as bridges and highways.

At the same time, it is acknowledged, based on general assessments and the experience of other countries, that the impact of a lifestyle overly dependent on private vehicles contributes to traffic congestion and affects travel times. Time that should be spent working or resting is wasted on the roads. Dependence on private cars also requires individuals to incur expenses for vehicle maintenance (servicing, tyres, etc.), bank loans (monthly car instalments) and fuel.

In this regard, the Pelan Induk Pengangkutan Darat (LTMP) and the Blueprint for Sustainable and Inclusive Land Transportation System, which aim to establish an efficient and accessible connectivity system that facilitates mobility for all levels of society and residents, were reviewed in 2023.

Following this, the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications is currently focusing on providing a more viable, sustainable, safe and comfortable transportation system for all users through the allocated Twelfth National Development Plan. Its planning and implementation focus on:

i. Improving the connectivity and reliability of bus service route networks to meet public needs, while at the same time increasing usage and passenger numbers through the provision of reliable, scheduled, quality and accessible services;

ii. Improving and expanding the coverage of taxis and on-demand ride-sharing services (e-hailing) as an effort and strategy to support the accessibility of public transportation services, particularly in rural areas; and

iii. Leveraging the use of technology to monitor vehicle movements and passenger facilities through the implementation of an intelligent transportation management system (STS).

In particular, with regard to improving the connectivity and reliability of the bus service route network, a detailed assessment is being conducted on the cost of providing services to the Government to ensure the sustainability of the services, in collaboration with the companies shortlisted under the Request for Proposal to Provide, Operate, Manage and Maintain Public Transport Services in Brunei Darussalam.

With the establishment of this service, it is hoped that the 'efficiency' of the public transportation service network can be improved, thereby further encouraging users to use public transportation in the country. In supporting and achieving the goals of Wawasan Brunei 2035, particularly in ensuring a high quality of life for the people and enhancing mobility and productivity in carrying out economic activities, the implementation of these projects is important for improving the effectiveness of the national public transportation system.