KUCHING: With Sarawak’s rich financial resources, it is possible for multistorey highways like those in Shanghai, China and Bangkok, Thailand to be implemented in the state.
Sarawak Patriots Association (SPA) chairman Datuk John Lau agreed with Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS) chairman Datuk Peter Minos on the suggestion for an elevated expressway from Institut Tadbiran Awam Negara (INTAN) in Samarahan to Stutong in Kuching.
He pointed out that town planners need to plan at least 10 years ahead of time as otherwise the same problem of traffic congestion may be experienced by the future generations.
“This is for the benefit of the people, and I am sure the government will be willing to invest,” he told New Sarawak Tribune yesterday.
Lau said one criterion required to enable smart mobility to reduce traffic congestion is connected infrastructure.
He said the different parts of a city’s transportation system need to be connected to the cloud such as traffic lights, cars, buses, trains, bikes, people, maps and even roads.
“This Internet of Things (IoT) approach allows location, speed, capacity and other data to be collected, stored, and analysed. Wilson Parking recently invested in connected infrastructure to decrease traffic congestions for drivers in Hong Kong,” he said.
At the same time, Lau said the evolution of autonomous vehicles will enable smart mobility to reduce traffic congestion.
While still in development, he said autonomous vehicles are cars or trucks in which human drivers are not required.
“These vehicles use sensors and software to control, navigate and drive the vehicle. The use of autonomous vehicles to reduce traffic congestion depends on public policy.
“For example, self-driving cars could connect transit hubs, provide public transit services to communities that are not currently served and be used to improve public transportation,” he said.
