Minister of Transport and Infocommunications Yang Berhormat Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Shamhary bin Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Mustapha said His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam has consented to the amendment of the Road Traffic Order Schedule to introduce the 3A vehicle driving license category, giving the public the option and facilities to drive cars with automatic transmission.
He said this during the 20th session of the Legislative Council meeting yesterday.
He added that in the Land Transport Department’s (JPD) continuous efforts to modernise the existing regulations, those choosing the 3A driving license class are not allowed to drive vehicles with manual transmission to enhance focus on safe driving ethics and training.
On public transportation, Yang Berhormat Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Shamhary said the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications (MTIC) and JPD are discussing the previous strategic plan that is sustainable and viable, taking into account the connectivity and reliability of public bus services on core network routes to widen the preparedness of on-demand services, establish performance standards and to introduce a management system focused on vehicle monitoring and passenger comfort.
The requested proposal for the provision of public transport services for the core routes is targeted to be issued mid-year, the minister said.
“In order to support these efforts, an allocation of BND11.7 million under the 12th National Development Plan has been prepared as an initial step.
This will upgrade public transport infrastructure by repairing bus stop facilities on core routes according to guidelines of bus stop design standards,” he said.
Meanwhile, other efforts include the Smart Transport System Project (STS) with an estimated cost of BND7 million to create a technology-based transport network management and operation system.
Increasing the reliability of public transport services through the provision of real-time information, cashless payment options and on-demand transport (e-hailing) services were also highlighted.
The minister said this project will be able to increase the effectiveness of enforcement on commercial vehicles (public transport and heavy vehicles) and improve traffic safety. – Azlan Othman
