MAILBOX: The Smart tunnel is way too congested

Submitted by pekwan on Tuesday, November 17th, 2009

Tuesday, November 17th, 2009 02:46:00

THE Smart tunnel is supposed to make life easier for road users who want to get into the prominent areas in the city like Jalan Tun Razak and Jalan Sultan Ismail by just paying the RM2 usage fee.

However, I now feel it is no longer the smart choice to be travelling in the tunnel during peak hours.

I am a frequent user of the Smart tunnel and I have noticed lately that the traffic congestion in the tunnel is getting worse.

We expect to be travelling on a freeway in the tunnel as we are paying for it – but I don’t see that happening.

On some days, the traffic is crawling from the moment we pay the toll and get into the tunnel.

I don’t know what has gone wrong where. But, if the tunnel is not serving its purpose to provide a better route for road users, I suggest that the Smart tunnel toll charges be reduced to RM1.

I don’t see any point in charging RM2 for the use of a jammed up tunnel.

Winson Raj
Kuala Lumpur

Comments

The "Stormwater Management and Road Tunnel" or "SMART Tunnel" is primarily used for reducing flash flood in KL. Why all the fuss ? You can take other routes or use public transport.

Submitted by Anonymous on Tuesday, November 24th, 2009.

Submitted by Anonymous on Tuesday, November 24th, 2009.

First & foremost, I would like to thank Mr Winson Raj for highlighting the issue of congestion relatively to SMART Tunnel. We acknowledge that the congestion in and around the city centre happens especially during the morning rush hour and this is known to be caused by the overall growth in the number of vehicles entering the city centre. The main cause of the congestions at both of SMART's dispersal points is the confluence of several roads in both of the surrounding areas which are heading towards a single point. In the case of SMART, both the golden triangle of Bukit Bintang area and Jalan Tun Razak are the meeting points where the capacity of these roads are already saturated causing tailback of traffic to all other roads linking to these areas during peak hour. This does not only occur at SMART but also to all other roads. I wish to take this opportunity to stress that we are continuously working very closely with all the relevant authorities especially the Traffic Police and the City Hall to reduce congestion. we strive to improve the situation for the benefit of the general public especially SMART Tunnel users which shall include the short, medium and long term action plan in tackling the issue thus reducing the congestion. Mohd Fuad Kamal Ariffin General Manager - SMART

Submitted by Mohd Fuad Kamal Ariffin on Monday, November 23rd, 2009.

Submitted by Mohd Fuad Kamal Ariffin on Monday, November 23rd, 2009.

If SMART is congested (during that period), We shouldn't expect the federal road would be less congested. The traffic should be much more slower up there on the normal road. It's not fair to blame 100% SMART. The heavy traffic on the surface road effects the exit portal of SMART, therefore spreading the traffic jam into the tunnel. I believe they are cracking their heads trying to resolve the issue. The brilliant feature of SMART; the dual functions; a) releasing the excess water from rivers in Ampang during rainy days to avoid flood; and b) providing alternative shorter route to KL. We shouldn't expect traffic in KL to be smooth during peak hours. Plan our journey, that'll make us smarter.

Submitted by George on Friday, November 20th, 2009.

Submitted by George on Friday, November 20th, 2009.

Smart users; I'm one of the regular user and caught in the jam every morning but I still manage to reach my office half an hour earlier by using SMART Tunnel. What a smart choice. FYI Smart Tunnel 1st priority is to divert and eleviate flood from city centre. For those who don't understand the concept and purpose of this tunnel should not use it. Save your RM2, use normal road and stuck in the jam for hours.

Submitted by Anonymous on Friday, November 20th, 2009.

Submitted by Anonymous on Friday, November 20th, 2009.

I don't understand few of our Malaysian mentality. They really don't know how to appreciate our brilliant poject as one of it is SMART TUNNEL which obviously been recognised to the international level but been condamned by our local people. They at least should be thankfull to Malaysian Govt for such a SMART project. Im sure if not because of the smart tunnel, our news headline gonna be... "KL FLOODED" again as what has happened in Kelantan, Kedah and also Perak. Poor them cause they don't have SMART TUNNEL at their places to divert the excessive water to safe lives and money caused by the heavy downpour. To those who always complaining about the congestion issue... pleaseeee pleasseeee wake up!! If you don't wanna be trapped in a traffic jam, go and change your car to a motorcycle. Im sure you wont be stucked or else go and use our efficient public transport. Save fuel and money!! ;) Please study the main objective of the SMART Tunnel before making a noice out of it. The tunnel should not be blame for the congestion but KL drivers shoud be smart enough to plan their journey ahead to avoid the congestion during peak hours.

Submitted by Smart Driver on Friday, November 20th, 2009.

Submitted by Smart Driver on Friday, November 20th, 2009.

Lowering the toll to RM1 will only cause heavier traffic, as you make it even more affordable. RM1 menas more cars Best to raise the fee, to maybe RM5 so only those who need it will use it. Smart Tunnel is not the only option after all. With less cars, less traffic it will be quicker to reach KLCC. Another option is to introduced tiered rates: RM5 from 7.30 - 8.30am and 5.30 -6.30 pm and cheaper at other times to encourage traffic flow. The autorities, though should look into where the storm water is being dumped : Tmn Desa lake. What was a beautiful lake is now a shadow of its former glory.Why is there no effort to beautify/maintain this park/lake? There should be more park/lakes in KL. DBKl promised to upkeep, but what happened? This lake would be a godsend for Tmn Desa/ Kuchai Lama/ Cheras residents. SInce it is off the hgiway, it is also a great palce for drivers to stop by after work and relax/exercise before continuing their journey home, esp those who stay in the KL South suburbs

Submitted by Triona on Wednesday, November 18th, 2009.

Submitted by Triona on Wednesday, November 18th, 2009.

The SMART tunnel's main function is to drain excess rainwater so KL won't be flooded again. I believe that the tunnel have done a very good job in preventing flash flood that was so frequently happen before the tunnel exist. Only one reason for congestion : More cars on the road. Why? Because public transportation sucks. Solution : 1. SERIOUSLY upgrade the public transportation 2. Raise the toll to RM15. Then there will be less cars inside the tunnel.

Submitted by Anonymous on Tuesday, November 17th, 2009.

Submitted by Anonymous on Tuesday, November 17th, 2009.

looks like the smart tunnel is not that smart after all

Submitted by Anonymous on Tuesday, November 17th, 2009.

Submitted by Anonymous on Tuesday, November 17th, 2009.

what you say it true. you can get faster if you use the normal road then using the smart tunnel. I am getting very tired of this system saying ease flow but what you get is jammed like on the normal road. so why pay the RM2 just use the old road let the smart tunnel get their acts right.

Submitted by vj on Tuesday, November 17th, 2009.

Submitted by vj on Tuesday, November 17th, 2009.

This is not a smart tunnel. It is really a stupid tunnel only good for boiling people's blood.

Submitted by Stupid on Tuesday, November 17th, 2009.

Submitted by Stupid on Tuesday, November 17th, 2009.