Letters - ‘MRT gives people mobility options so why be so against it’

I REFER to the article "Some harsh truths about the MRT" published on Jan 9. I was puzzled to read the harsh criticism levelled against the MRT and public transport service in general. The MRT has not even been in operation for a full month let alone the full line completion of phase 1 (out of 3 phases).
The writer describes that MRT is not targeting the lower-income group, which is misleading as its main purpose is to ease people's mobility around the city. All income levels will benefit from this. For instance, taking the MRT makes more economic sense than to drive into the city.
We must remember car consumption cannot be quantified by the kilometre usage alone. There is the cost of maintenance, fluctuations in petrol costs, loan payments, wear and tear, road tax, and potential for summonses, parking fees and toll charges.
Since the launch of the MRT, I have travelled to work using the service (Sungai Buloh to Phileo Damansara) thus putting one less car on the road. It is my choice and it is something that we should be proud to have.
The easing of congestion will not happen overnight but if more people start knowing where the MRT goes and the feeder buses that can take them, then more people will start using them as an option. A study by the Environmental Protection Agency in the US shows that a typical passenger vehicle emits about 4.7 metric tons of carbon dioxide a year. Therefore, one less car on the road only serves to help the environment.
The writer assumes that the MRT is too expensive for users and at the same time questions the ability for it to pay off its debt. I find this rather an oxymoron. So if the writer suggest that the solution is to half the costs and yet MRT keep its debt under control, we should question the writer's understanding of the economics and social value of the public transport system. I am all for cheaper fares but to expect it to be almost free is unrealistic. As a public transport user my main concern is for the trains and buses to run on time.
The point about people sleeping in cars for two hours in the morning is also poking insult for the sake of it rather than any useful criticism. Yes, a small minority do sleep in the car but that should not be a reason to give the MRT and public transport services such negative criticism.
To many the real winner for having the MRT services is the option it gives people. True you can take Uber or GrabCar or drive yourself but to suggest that investing in public transport and having more mobility options is a mistake only shows the ignorance that some people can have.
It will take time for Malaysians to get used to the MRT and to fully reap the benefits when all three lines are completed. Till then let us not run it down for the sake of wanting to voice an opinion without giving any real solutions. Instead the arguments should be focused on pressuring those in charge of daily operations to be efficient, professional and run the trains and buses on time.
Nik Jaafar
Petaling Jaya