New app for Smart Selangor bus and routes

SMART Selangor bus users can now access an app, “Selangor Intelligent Transport System” to check on the free bus’ timings and the nearest bus stop.

The app, which is now available for download, comprises route and timing information for all 34 Smart Selangor bus routes and 122 buses at all 11 councils.

“Starting today, Android phone users can download the app, but iOS users will have to wait as the app is still in development,” said Selangor senior exco member Datuk Teng Chang Khim.

“Passengers using the app will be able to check the bus timings and delays, especially during peak hours,” he said.

The app was developed by Smart Selangor Delivery Unit and Menteri Besar Selangor Incorporated.

Answering the question posed by Saari Sungib (PAS-Hulu Kelang), Teng said he believed the app was the first service of its kind in Malaysia.

Teng added that the app was a timely addition to the Smart Selangor free bus service seeing as there has been an increase in the number of passengers.

“As of Sept 30, we have recorded a total of 11 million passengers.

“Since the Smart Selangor Bus began on July 1 until now, the total cost has been RM43mil.

“Out of which, RM34mil was spent by the Selangor government and RM9mil of the cost was funded by the councils,” he said.

Teng’s response included that in 2015 a total of RM3.5mil was spent, in 2016, RM11.4mil was spent by the state and RM3.1mil was spent by councils and this year RM19mil was spent by the state and RM6mil was spent councils to develop Smart Selangor bus service in terms of maintaining existing routes and adding new ones.

In reference to the increasing expenditure on the bus service, Ng Suee Lim (DAP-Sekinchan) asked if the state would consider collecting a fee from foreigners and tourists while keeping it free for locals who can utilise the service just by showing their MyKad.

“Our records show that the number of foreigners using Smart Selangor buses are few.

“Therefore, it is not necessary for us to charge them a fee to use this service,” Teng said.

Concerned about his own constituency, Jeram, Yaakob Sapari (PKR-Kota Anggerik) asked why some areas, especially rural areas, were not covered by the Smart Selangor service.

Teng said certain areas do not meet the standard requirements for a route to be set up.

“The main purpose of the Smart Selangor bus service is to reduce traffic jams and link passengers to the nearest LRT or rail service.

“Not all areas that were proposed met this standard requirement,” he said.

Yeo Bee Yin (DAP-Damansara Utama) then asked whether the app would cover other bus services available in the city.

“Presently, only information on Smart Selangor bus service are on the app, but we will accept information from other bus operators to be uploaded onto the app, if it is suitable,” he said.

At press time, the app has been downloaded 500 times with 3.8 star rating on the Google Play Store.

PRIYA MENON and MELIZARA NI T. SELVA at the Selangor State Assembly