E-Scooters Could Help Increase Effectiveness Of Public Transportation Services

Beam, a shared micro-mobility company, believes it can play a part in reducing traffic congestion and bolster the effectiveness of public transportation in Malaysia. According to its data, the first and last mile issues of a trip are the primary reasons why commuters opt to use their personal vehicles to get to where they need to be.

Despite the expansion of the public transportation system which includes additional LRT (light rail transit) and MRT (mass rapid transit) lines, gaps still exist that make it inconvenient to use. This includes route adequacy and reliability. Getting to the nearest station and then from the destination station to where you need to be, encompasses the essence of the problem.

Data from 2019 suggests that the public transportation’s modal share is only about 25%, which is far lower than the government’s target of 40% by 2030. In Kuala Lumpur alone, only 17% of people rely on public transport, which is appalling considering that it’s the busiest city in the country.

Beam says that with ramped up efforts from the government and micromobility service providers like itself in installing the proper infrastructure, we could address the first and last mile issues. The use of its shared e-scooters can help bridge the gap that exists within our public transportation grid. Placing more of these scooters in key areas in the Klang Valley could extend its reach too.

According to a survey carried out by Beam with base riders, 23% of all respondents answered that they are “more likely to”, “much more likely to”, or “definitely going to” sell or end the lease on their private vehicles as a result of their access to shared e-scooters. That figure increases to 30% if said scooters are within a 5 minute-walk from where they work or live.

In addition to this, 52% of respondents say that they are “more likely” or “much more likely” to consider using public transport if they have the option of using shared e-scooters. Beam says that the effort by the government and micromobility service providers is also helping change the public’s perception of these machines.

“Ultimately, we want to do what we can to make cities flow better. The goal that we share with the government, to achieve a public transportation modal share of 40% by 2030, is something we’re working towards and is something that we are confident can be achieved,” said Justin Tiew, General Manager of Beam Mobility Malaysia.

To celebrate the upcoming national festivities and encourage the use of shared e-scooters, Beam Malaysia is offering a special, limited-time Merdeka Promo with discounts of up to 50% on all rides. From 27th August 2022 till 16th September, riders will be able to use a Beam e-scooter from selected hub spots for just RM0.30 per minute.

This equates to 33% discount for off-peak hours (6am to 6pm on weekdays) and 50% discount for peak hours (6pm to 6am on weekdays and entire weekends). Riders who return their e-scooters to the designated parking location within the public transportation hub spots, will receive a RM2.00 credit reward.

Riders can immediately make full use of the promo period by downloading the app via the Apple Store or Google Play Store.