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Perhaps the greatest barrier is political: The assumption that voters will never accept road pricing. Here, too, evidence offers hope.<\/span><\/p>\n In Stockholm, a trial congestion charge was put to a public referendum. Before the trial, most residents opposed it. After experiencing the benefits of cleaner air, shorter commutes, a majority voted to keep the price for roads that were previously free.<\/span><\/p>\n London saw similar shifts in sentiment. New York City, after decades of debate, finally implemented congestion pricing in lower Manhattan, with initial polling showing growing acceptance.<\/span><\/p>\n Critics may argue that these Western cities possessed far more mature rail networks before pricing their roads. However, the fact that Johor Bahru\u2019s transit future must be more bus-reliant may, in fact, make congestion pricing more favoured among commuters. Unlike underground trains, buses require actively managed, clear surface roads to guarantee the reliability that wins over commuters.<\/span><\/p>\n If congestion pricing demonstrably saves time, improves buses and funds better infrastructure, support will follow results. Johor Bahru, Penang and Kuala Lumpur cannot afford to wait. They need to act – on buses and on pricing. Only then will these cities overcome standstill and begin to move.<\/span><\/p>\n