Evaluating the Feasibility of Congestion Charging in Kuala Lumpur as A Sustainable Urban Mobility Solution

DOI

10.2991/978-94-6463-972-8_21How to use a DOI?

Keywords

Congestion Charging; Sustainable Urban Mobility; Transport Policy

Abstract

As urban centres across the Asia-Pacific region grapple with escalating traffic congestion, cities are exploring congestion charging as a strategy to manage travel demand, reduce emissions, and enhance urban mobility. This study assesses the feasibility, effectiveness, and challenges of implementing congestion pricing in Kuala Lumpur, considering global best practices and the city’s distinctive transportation landscape. A comprehensive literature review of congestion pricing in London, Stockholm, Singapore, Milan, and other cities reveals that successful implementation depends on well-developed public transport systems, dynamic pricing structures, effective enforcement, and strong public support. Findings from the study highlight several key considerations for Kuala Lumpur. Public transport readiness remains a critical barrier, with rail and bus networks covering only 55% of the Klang Valley and insufficient first-last mile connectivity. Scenario modelling indicates that a congestion charge could reduce traffic volume by 10-20%, with greater reductions achievable if integrated with improved public transport services. The study also finds that dynamic pricing, rather than flat fees, would be more effective in managing demand, while exemptions or discounts may be necessary for low-income drivers and essential services. Additionally, congestion charging could enhance road safety by lowering vehicle density and reducing conflicts with vulnerable road users, whilst also cutting emissions by up to 15%. The study concludes that congestion pricing in Kuala Lumpur should be phased in gradually, coupled with public transport enhancements, stakeholder engagement, and pilot programmes, to ensure an efficient, sustainable, reliable, and inclusive transport system.

Copyright

© 2025 The Author(s)

Open Access

Open Access This chapter is licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/), which permits any noncommercial use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license and indicate if changes were made.

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TY  - CONF
AU  - Hizal Hanis Hashim
AU  - Nuur Sakinah Azman
AU  - Akmalia Shabadin
AU  - Hawa Mohamed Jamil
AU  - Siti Zaharah Ishak
AU  - Nurhani Mat Razali
AU  - Abdul Hakim Ab. Rahim
PY  - 2025
DA  - 2025/12/29
TI  - Evaluating the Feasibility of Congestion Charging in Kuala Lumpur as A Sustainable Urban Mobility Solution
BT  - Proceedings of the 14th Asia-Pacific Conference on Transportation and the Environment (APTE 2025)
PB  - Atlantis Press
SP  - 224
EP  - 237
SN  - 2589-4943
UR  - https://doi.org/10.2991/978-94-6463-972-8_21
DO  - 10.2991/978-94-6463-972-8_21
ID  - Hashim2025
ER  -