The Star : Toll increase 'not justified' |
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Written by Administrator |
Friday, 11 September 2009 12:42 |
30 November 2007
PETALING JAYA: Road users said the increase in tolls for six highways would force them to use alternative roads, resulting in the concessionaires losing revenue. Associated Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Coastal Selangor’s Transport Committee chairman Loo Chea Hee said transport companies already complained that toll charges along the New North Klang Straits Bypass (NNKSB) linking Klang and Northport were too high for a less than 20-min drive and the increase would just make things worse. Higher toll would only encourage more commercial vehicle users not to use the bypass, he said. “More drivers will use the Federal or cheaper Shahpadu highways to head to Northport,” he said. He said transporters paid about RM2 for a one-way trip from Klang to Northport while the amount was double that on the NNKSB and having to pay another 60 sen would be too much for them. However, Loo said, container trailers would mostly be unaffected by the increase as they would just pass on the additional cost to consignors. Motorists and taxi drivers using the North-South Central Link Highway (Elite) are upset that they may have to pay 50% more from January. Motorist Charles Rosario, who works in Kuala Lumpur, said the increase would surely burden the low-income group. Rosario said he travels to Kuala Lumpur daily from Seremban and spends RM8.80 toll on a one-way trip. Nirmal Singh from Klang said the increase would have a domino effect on the price of other items like food. Nirmal spends RM3.50 at the Elite toll from the Puchong exit to Cyberjaya. Taxi driver Saharudin Mat Noor said: “The Government should provide better alternative roads. But this may also cause traffic jams.” Another cabbie, Chet Singh, said higher tolls might discourage people from taking public transport. A KLIA Airport Limo official said its fares remain unchanged despite the increase in toll. Motorists who use the Kulim-Butterworth Expressway (BKE) regularly are disappointed that toll would be raised on Jan 1. Bank executive Nizam Adam, 36, and research and development manager Shamim Akhtar, 40, said the proposed increase was not justified. Unit trust consultant Noraina Othman, 33, said the hike would result in more expenses for the people. “We have to continue paying for petrol, utilities and other essentials,” said the mother of two.
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