Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur
UMR Index Rank
#46
(=)
Score: 42%
Sustainable Mobility
#61
(-2)
Score: 34.3%
Public Transit
#41
(-16)
Score: 47.1%
Technology Adoption
#40
Score: 35.7%
| Population | 9.1 million |
| Surface area (km2) | 2,163 |
| Population-density (people/km2) | 4,208 |
| GDP per capita ($) | 38,476 |
UMR Index Rank
#46
(=)
Score: 42%
Sustainable Mobility
#61
(-2)
Score: 34.3%
Public Transit
#41
(-16)
Score: 47.1%
Technology Adoption
#40
Score: 35.7%
What Kuala Lumpur Does Well In Urban Mobility
Kuala Lumpur has an affordable and diverse public transit network composed of commuter trains, light and mass rapid transit lines, monorails, and buses. In 2024 the city announced plans to develop a rapid transit bus network with dedicated lanes, expand its autonomous rail transit (ART) system, and improve first- and last-mile connectivity by investing in pedestrian walkways and micromobility options.
Kuala Lumpur already performs well in mobility automation. The light light rapid transit and mass rapid transit lines are fully automated and driverless. An ART currently in trial in Putrajaya would consist of a self-driving trackless tram to complement the bus fleet.
Urban Mobility Readiness Index, Sustainable Mobility, Public Transit, and Technology Adoption scores
Source: Oliver Wyman Forum and University of California, Berkeley
Challenges And Opportunities For Kuala Lumpur’s Transportation System
The number of road traffic accidents in Kuala Lumpur is high and the city suffers from low regional connectivity due to Malaysia’s fragmented road network. In 2022 the national government adopted a road safety plan aimed at reducing traffic fatalities by 50% by 2030, but has so far had limited success — there were more traffic fatalities by October 2024 than in all of 2023.
Kuala Lumpur struggles to promote active mobility such as walking and cycling. While the hot and humid climate partially explain the low levels of cycling and walking in the city, the quality of the infrastructure lags behind regional peers such Singapore and Seoul. Unsafe roads also are a deterrent.
Dimensions of the Urban Mobility Readiness Index score
Source: Oliver Wyman Forum and University of California, Berkeley
How Kuala Lumpur Can Improve Its Urban Mobility Performance
Some Kuala Lumpur residents travel long distances to reach public transit stations. The city can address the density of its public transit stations by introducing more stops and stations along commuting lines. Expanding rapid bus and on-demand minibus services, part of the city’s plans, is a resource-efficient option compared with developing additional rail stations. Once operational, this will be an improvement for the public transport offering.
Kuala Lumpur can improve its active mobility infrastructure by investing in cycling lanes and pedestrian walkways with safety features like buffers. This can encourage residents to cycle and walk more. Given the climate, promoting e-bike adoption by offering subsidized purchases or supporting e-bike sharing programs can also help incentivize cycling.
Urban Mobility Readiness Index relative ranking evolution (2020-2024)
Source: Oliver Wyman Forum and University of California, Berkeley