KUALA LUMPUR: An average of more than 1,300 motorists are detected daily encroaching into dedicated bus and taxi lanes across the federal capital and the Klang Valley.
The figures were captured via the Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system as part of an artificial intelligence (AI) dashboard camera pilot project installed on RapidKL buses.
Rapid Bus Sdn Bhd (Rapid Bus) initiatives and strategic partnership head Zainurul Hakim said that while dedicated lanes were designed to reduce travel time, high rates of encroachment caused congestion and disrupted service schedules.
He said the six-month pilot project would evaluate the accuracy and clarity of recordings captured during the day, at night, and in various weather conditions.
“These recordings will be submitted to the Road Transport Department (RTD) to assess their suitability as legal evidence.
“During this trial period, an average of over 1,300 encroachment cases were detected daily. However, no enforcement action has been taken yet as the primary focus is on technical evaluation and public awareness,” he said.
The project, which began in October, involves three corridors: Jalan Ampang, Jalan Genting Klang, and Jalan Klang Lama, with one bus assigned to each route. The trial is expected to conclude in March.
Zainurul said the initiative is a strategic collaboration with Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), the police, and RTD to strengthen enforcement.
He said the technology-driven approach was intended to raise awareness and encourage public transport use rather than merely penalising motorists.
“In addition to enforcement, infrastructure improvements are planned, including the installation of signboards with warning lights and advertising display structures to alert road users to the special bus and taxi lanes,” he said.
He added that dashboard camera installations are expected to be expanded to another 50 buses this year, focusing on existing bus lane corridors.
“Furthermore, three new dedicated bus and taxi lane corridors will be implemented between 2026 and 2027, covering Jalan Gombak, Jalan Ipoh, and Jalan Cheras.
“However, the full implementation of this system depends on financial allocations and the finalisation of a legal framework, which is expected to take one to two years,” he said.
Meanwhile, DBKL Enforcement Department director Mohd Muzammer Jamaluddin said 23 compound notices were issued to vehicle owners last year for driving in dedicated bus and taxi lanes under Rule 17C (1) of the Road Traffic Rules 1959.
Of that number, three notices have been settled.
“The remaining 20 notices remain unpaid, with total accumulated fines amounting to RM6,000.
“Observations show that the offences involve different vehicles, with no repeat offenders identified,” he said.
Mohd Muzammer said the compound rate for the offence is fixed at RM300.
“At present, DBKL has no plans to increase the compound rate as individuals do not seem to repeat the offence once enforcement action has been taken,” he said.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
