Malaysian commuters will soon find it easier to access public transportation with the upcoming integration of the RapidKL My50 pass renewal system into the Touch 'n Go (TNG) eWallet. This improvement, announced by Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook, promises to save commuters the time and hassle of queuing at Light Rail Transit (LRT) station counters, as they will soon be able to renew their My50 passes directly through the TNG eWallet app. The integration is expected to be completed in the coming months, signaling a significant move towards greater convenience in the nation's public transport system.
According to Business Today, Minister Loke shared that this initiative demonstrates the government's commitment to maintaining affordable public transportation, emphasizing that the My50 pass is not just a discount card but a significant investment in the welfare of Malaysian commuters. He highlighted that the government offers an annual subsidy of RM1,200 per user through this pass, which benefits both commuters and the public transport operator, Prasarana.
"The subsidy to Prasarana is essentially a subsidy to the people," Loke stated, explaining that the government's support for Prasarana aims to make public transport a more appealing choice for the general public. "This initiative aims to reduce living costs and lower the number of vehicles on the road, which in turn could ease road congestion and lessen environmental impact."
Since its inception, the My50 pass has transformed public transit for Malaysians by providing unlimited monthly travel at an affordable price. As of September 2024, the pass has attracted over 220,000 active users, more than doubling since 2019. The strong adoption rate reflects the pass's role in making public transportation more accessible and cost-effective for a wide range of commuters.
The My50 pass not only provides financial relief but also supports sustainable commuting. Loke noted that by utilizing the My50 pass, daily commuters can travel from home to work for less than RM2 per day a significant saving, especially for regular users.
This digital integration is part of the government's broader agenda to promote the adoption of public transportation as a primary mode of travel in Malaysia. By reducing the costs and simplifying access to public transport, the initiative aligns with efforts to ease the rising cost of living, alleviate traffic congestion, and move towards a more sustainable urban transit model.
"Encouraging higher public transport adoption is part of the strategy to alleviate the rising cost of living and reduce road congestion," Loke remarked. He expressed optimism that with easier renewals and more Malaysians making use of public transportation, the quality of life in urban areas would improve significantly.
This development marks another step forward in Malaysia's ongoing efforts to modernize its public transport infrastructure, providing both practical and environmental benefits. For Malaysians eager to adopt more efficient and eco-friendly travel options, this seamless integration of the My50 pass with TNG eWallet is a welcomed advancement.
As the nation waits for the final rollout, the promise of faster, easier access to affordable public transport stands as a testament to the government's dedication to making life easier for its citizens.
Source: Business Today
