GOMBAK, Sept 29 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said today the government has not ruled out imposing congestion charges in major cities to encourage public transport use, but stressed that such a move would only be considered once a “comprehensive” public transport system is in place.

Speaking at the launch of the Gombak Integrated Terminal here, Anwar explained that introducing such charges now would be a burden to the public.

“Some countries, to encourage the use of public transport, charge cars travelling into their major cities. We don't plan to do that yet because for the time being this could be burdensome,” he said.

“But once the public transport network is good and comprehensive throughout the country, any major cities will have to think about (imposing congestion charges).”

Anwar’s administration has made public transport a key policy priority, rolling out major projects like the LRT3 and continuing with the East Coast Rail Link to improve the national network.

Today, he said there is no reason to complain about the country’s public transport system.

“Back then, we had already thought about congestion charges in the 90s, but people felt it was too much, since the buses were not comfortable, were always cramped, and were often stuck in traffic,” he said.

“But public transport today has changed. They can no longer complain that it’s always cramped and uncomfortable, so we must find a way to attract more people to use public transport,” Anwar added.