The cost of HSR is too high and not suit for current economy situation. In fact there was debate that why should we need HSR since the airfare cost about RM100 one way for budget airline.

Taiwan high speed rail from Taoyuan (north) to Kaohsiung (south) total distance about 350km, it takes 90 minutes to arrive and cost approximately RM150 one way.

S. Korea KTX Seoul to Busan about 320km and it takes about 180 minutes, 1 way ticket prie is about RM200.

KL - SG HSR is approximately 350km, if the charges is similar to Taiwan it will be RM150 one way. Btw in Taiwan year 2014 the ridership reach 130,000 daily but still much below their 2008 forecast daily 240,000 or about 54% only. If reach optimum of ridership as forecasted the operator may merely breakeven or make 10-20% profit, below this figure they are making loss.

Yes, the ridership must take into account if the volume not justify the loss will become bigger and deeper even after the HSR built. After HSR built it will definitely affect the airlines business, by that time airlines will fight back to protect their ridership by giving discount. Airline was operated by private company and HSR is operated by GLC company, both having competition sound good to consumer but in fact it hurt the economy. Private airline company may facing loss and by that time they need to cut cost or redundant employees to maintain their competitiness. Nvertheless government need to further funds for HSR to operate and this money will come from taxpayer eventually.

To me HSR is just a project of Najib who wanted to has his name on public that his effort to contribute to country regardless the cost of building it.

MRT3 is a regret but not for HSR coz we can take flight from KL to JB or SG with lower cost. Malaysia budget airlines airfare is affordable to travel around peninsular.

Most of the citizens of Malaysia still have the mindset of "owning" car even though they do not need it. One of the top priority wishes of fresh graduate when they enter society is get a job and then "buy car". Those who already have a car to commute to university or college, after graduate they would "upgrade" their level to better car. There are many parents afraid their children find it hard to study, therefore during study time they bought children a car and pay for their petrol and toll as well. Why schooling time they not use to taking pubic transport, after graduate they will definitely won't take public transport.

In fact the public buses are around and cover most of the Klang Valley areas but there are many adults feel "shame" of taking public transport to work especially for male. There are many people who are office based workers do not need to drive to work, when reach office the car is parking at basement till they finish work. I guess at least 50% private cars in Malaysia are under utilized where people are paying a depreciate asset and yet not fully utilize it, which mean it is further loss.

This culture must change and this must start on educate the young generation to take public transport.

I agree that using public transport will definitely save lots of money and also time to travel to work. It is true the crime rate is one of the most concern of people who taking public transport. There is a robbery case where I have a friend his neighbour's daugther die after being attack when she walked out of the train station. Some of the train stations are located in quiet place where during off peak time there were very few people around the station and the walking distance to the nearest bus stop will take 5-10 minutes walk. For example like KTM station Wahyu, Batu Kentonmen, or Batu Caves, during non-peak hour time it feel not safe to walk from outside to the station. Hope the new government will enhance the safety to encourage public to use public transport.

It is true that the MRT3 circle line will help to increase ridership, but with current economy situation the new government may have to delay the project and recover the debt first. Hopefully the MRT3 or equivalent connection between the MRT1 and 2 will resume after couple of years.