KTB resuming bus services in Kelantan today

PETALING JAYA: Commuters in Kelantan can now breathe a sigh of relief following a decision by Kon­sortium Transnasional Berhad’s (KTB) Cityliner to resume services for all its bus routes in the state.

The about-turn by KTB yesterday came after intervention by the Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) which was in talks with the company over the last four days.

SPAD’s head of corporate communications Radha Warrier said KTB would resume its services today.

“We have spoken to the company and they have agreed to resume operations ,” she told The Star.

She added that SPAD was stepping in to assist KTB in sorting out its problems.

“It is in the best interest of commuters that the service is not disrupted,” she said

She added that SPAD would bring up the matter to the Government to help source funds for the company to continue operating its stage bus service there.

On Sunday, KTB said 19 routes in Kelantan were discontinued as the company was unable to sustain the operations cost without financial backing from the Government.

KTB was listed in 2007 and was responsible for a transportation system comprising stage and express bus operations within peninsula Malaysia.

The company operates a fleet of more than 1,500 buses covering over 250 routes and ferrying some 60 million passengers a year.

In Kota Baru, Azli Jazaly Amrita, 34, said he was relieved that the daily bus service would be restored.

He said he was caught off-guard by the sudden announcement of the company to cease daily bus service to Bachok.

“By right, the bus company should give more time to commuters to make other transport arrangements.

“Luckily, I managed to get a taxi to work,” said the sales promoter when met at the main bus station.

Another commuter, Nik Azrul Nik Hussain, 24, said he waited for several hours for the bus and was unaware of the decision.

“I am glad that services will resume as I have no alternative transport to get to Kota Baru every day,” said the store assistant.