Expansion of free bus service in Selangor

The free bus service initiative was first introduced by Petaling Jaya City Council.

One of the most significant initiatives introduced in Selangor this year was the free bus service.

The programme, inspired by the project that was started by Petaling Jaya City Council in 2014 for Petaling Jaya residents, was implemented in Shah Alam, Subang Jaya and Klang.

The state government estimated that about 25,000 people had travelled on the Bas Selangorku buses.

A total of 11 buses were leased from Rapid Bus Sdn Bhd at a cost of RM3.6mil a year, with the operating cost for each route approximately RM1.1mil.

Shah Alam and Subang Jaya were allocated four buses each and they served 22 and 19 stations respectively, spaced out over 20km and 15km.

In Klang, three buses have been servicing 11 stations in the 8km route.

It was reported that the buses would be equipped with free Wi-Fi soon for the passengers’ convenience.

State Investment, Industry (SME), Commerce and Transportation Committee chairman Datuk Teng Chang Khim had also announced during the state assembly sitting that Ampang and Kajang would enjoy the free bus service by the end of the year.

Meanwhile, Selangor Government’s move to waive assessment fees for low-cost houses is expected to result in the state sustaining a RM34.5mil loss from its revenue in assessment collection.

The waiver extends to villagers, who will not be required to pay assessment on the residential properties beginning next year, as announced by Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Azmin Ali while unveiling the State Budget 2016 at the state assembly last month.

There are a total of 220,247 low-cost and village houses in Selangor.

Also announced this year under the 2016 state budget is an exemption on licensing fees for petty traders.

This means that some 67,000 stall owners and pasar malam traders in Selangor will not be required to pay for the annual licence fee.

The public are now hoping these traders will pass on the benefit to their customers by offering goods at lower prices.