We are writing this letter on behalf of the lawyers and staff who need transportation to attend court. Since the courts moved to their new complex in Jalan Duta in early May, there have been numerous problems at the court premises itself but at least transportation was not an issue because of the availability of the shuttle van service which came about through a joint-venture effort between the courts and the Kuala Lumpur Bar. It is a well-known fact that the court complex was built at a place where public transport is scarce.

Rapid KL provided limited bus services in the beginning and the route was mainly between Titiwangsa and the Jalan Duta government buildings including the new court complex.

The shuttle van service (operated by KL Limousine Service Sdn. Bhd) was terminated purportedly for not having a permit This is beyond our comprehension. It is certainly within the means and capability of the relevant body to issue a permit in view of the importance of this means of transportation. The termination of the service has caused a great inconvenience to lawyers as well as court staff who use the service and who, in fact, rely on it to commute daily to the court premises.

We would like to stress that the van shuttle service was providing an excellent service in being punctual and constantly on standby with a reasonable rate of RM2. The travel time between the courts and the allocated pick-up points was 15 minutes or less. As the vans were almost exclusive for ferrying lawyers, they are able to cater to the specific needs of lawyers having to carry big trolley/pilot bags and files etc. Moreover, the availability of the shuttle vans cut down the number of vehicles entering the roads to the court complex which in turn greatly eased traffic flow there particularly between 8am to 9am and 1pm to 2pm (2pm being the time for the second session when the bulk of cases are called up for mention in the 24 subordinate courts).

It is apparent that Rapid KL cannot offer the same kind of service as it is a public bus service, having to stop at each bus stop to pick up and drop off passengers thus taking about 40 minutes to arrive at the court complex. Rapid KL busses also do not have the space to cater for the bulk carried by lawyers.

It is quite appalling that lawyers are not provided with sufficient car parks at the new court premises and now that even the shuttle service provided for them has been stopped purely because the relevant ministry will not issue the requisite permit. In view of the circumstances of the court's location and the lack of parking space for lawyers, the shuttle van service was, in fact, fulfilling a need. We are surprised that the powers-that-be are unable to understand this.

Surely one can imagine how ludicrous it would be for lawyers to climb up Rapid KL buses and travel with their heavy bags and files. We would like to stress here that we actually need many modes of transport to get to court on time by 9am and by 2pm. The cancellation of the shuttle van service is detrimental to lawyers (and also to court staff who use the vans) and leaves many of us stranded at the court premises after our cases even if we are able to find our way to attend court in the first place.

We would like the shuttle service to resume and we would also urge Rapid KL to continue providing its services for the public. We strenuously urge the relevant authority to assist the other arm of government and allow the KL courts to be accessible to all by providing as many types of public transport as possible.