SmartLane to be activated for Hari Raya to help ease traffic for Aidilfitri festivities

KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of Works has announced the exciting reactivation of the SmartLane feature on all major highways, including the North-South Expressway (PLUS), for the upcoming Aidilfitri festive season.

According to SInar Harian's report, Datuk Seri Hasnol Zam Zam, the Secretary-General of the Ministry, highlighted that this decision follows the positive feedback received from motorists during its initial implementation for the Chinese New Year celebrations.

Motorists are advised to stay tuned for official announcements from the concession companies regarding the activation dates and the total number of SmartLane locations available on each highway.

"We are grateful for the significant amount of feedback from road users about the effectiveness of the SmartLane system since its introduction during the Chinese New Year. We plan to continuously refine this system. The Ministry also hopes that this initiative will benefit and enhance the safety of road users during the Aidilfitri celebrations," he stated in an interview with Sinar Harian.

The activation of SmartLane on main highways is aimed at reducing traffic congestion, especially during festive seasons. Initially, the implementation of the SmartLane system by several concessions, including PLUS, faced criticism due to confusion among road users caused by insufficient notification about the SmartLane locations. This led to misunderstandings among motorists who thought the emergency lanes were being misused for personal gain.

In related developments, Hasnol revealed that his ministry has encouraged highway concession companies to increase the availability of open payment system services, accepting debit or credit cards at toll plazas. By expanding these services, the Ministry believes it can address the extraordinary congestion caused by technical issues related to the use of Touch 'n Go (TNG) cards, SmartTAG, and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID).

"The Ministry encourages every toll plaza to provide at least one lane with an open payment system," he explained.

Additionally, Hasnol anticipates that the opening of four packages of the West Coast Expressway (WCE) alignment in Perak, including the recently completed Section 11 connecting Taiping to Beruas, will offer relief to motorists returning home for the festive season, especially to the northern states of Peninsular Malaysia.

"The Ministry also hopes that the four WCE packages in Selangor will be completed this year. These construction packages, which include the Banting route linked to the South Klang Valley Expressway (SKVE) and Bukit Raja linked to the Shah Alam Expressway (KESAS), are four out of the total five WCE development packages in Selangor," he added.

The period leading up to Hari Raya Aidilfitri witnesses one of the busiest traffic conditions on Malaysian roads, with highways connecting major cities to rural areas becoming particularly congested.

The traffic congestion during Hari Raya can lead to significant delays. It's not uncommon for travelers to experience delays of several hours, with journeys that typically take 3 to 4 hours extending to 6-8 hours or more, especially on peak travel days. The severity of delays depends on specific routes, the timing of travel, and any accidents or roadworks that may occur during this period.

To stay on top of traffic and manage delays effectively, travelers can:

1. Plan Ahead: Choose off-peak days and times for traveling. Late night or early morning hours tend to have lighter traffic.
2. Use Real-Time Traffic Apps: Apps like Google Maps or Waze provide real-time traffic updates and alternate routes to avoid congestion.
3. Listen to Traffic Reports  and follow travel advisory: Stay updated with traffic conditions through local radio stations or traffic management centers.
4. Be Prepared: Bring along water, snacks, and entertainment for the journey, especially if traveling with children.
5. Check Vehicle Condition: Ensure the vehicle is in good condition to prevent breakdowns that could exacerbate traffic jams.
6. Stay Informed on Weather Conditions: Bad weather can further worsen traffic congestion.

By anticipating heavy traffic and planning accordingly, travelers can navigate the busy period more smoothly and reach their destinations safely to enjoy the festivities of Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

Also Read:  WCE opens Toll-Free section: A festive gift for motorists, especially those traveling from KL - Penang