With ramped-up efforts to put proper infrastructures for first and last-mile transport in place, using micromobility vehicles such as Beam’s shared e-scooters would effectively solve this issue. More often than not, commuters are hesitant to rely on public transportation as they have an issue with completing both the first and final leg of their journey. For example, getting to the train station or getting to the final destination after getting off the train.
Beam Mobility has been placing more of its shared e-scooters in key areas of Klang Valley, allowing commuters to get to their destinations efficiently and comfortably. With more of its e-scooters readily available in key areas of the city, there is an increasing number of commuters who have mentioned that they are willing to depend on public transportation regularly.
According to a survey that Beam carried out with its base of 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. This number rises to 30% amongst those who have access to shared e-scooters within a 5 minutes walk from where they live and work.
Overall, 52% of respondents answered that they are “more likely” or “much more likely” to consider using public transportation now that they have the option of using shared e-scooters to complete the first and last mile of the journey – an encouraging statistic in line with the government’s vision for the public transportation system. Moreover, the efforts taken by the government and by micromobility service providers have shown that sentiments surrounding shared e-scooters are becoming increasingly positive as well, as roughly 60% of Malaysian citizens feel “positive” or “very positive” about the availability of e-scooters in their cities.
“Ultimately, we want to do what we can to make cities flow better. Our efforts to make our shared e-scooters more available to all by placing them in strategic locations is a step in that direction. 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 with the support from our partners and the right mindsets from fellow Malaysians,” said Justin Tiew, General Manager of Beam Mobility Malaysia.
“Based on personal experience, I can strongly say that relying on micromobility solutions to get past the first and last mile in everyday public transportation journeys is beneficial for all – for the environment, for myself, and for the country as a whole,” he added.
