PKNS free bus service boon to residents

Passengers enjoy a comfortable ride through Shah Alam city centre with the PKNS bus service.

THE Selangor State Development Corporation’s (PKNS) free electric bus service in Shah Alam’s commercial business quarter makes it easier for commuters to move around.

In conjunction with PKNS’ 53rd anniversary, the corporation decided to provide free bus service to the people and, at the same time, reduce carbon footprint with an electric-powered vehicle.

Covering 6.5km per trip, the bus service known as Eco Drive starts from the PKNS corporate headquarters to the PKNS complex and proceeds to the Shah Alam bus terminal (behind Maybank) in Section 14.

The route takes about 15 to 20 minutes depending on traffic conditions and the service runs from 7am to 7pm on Monday to Friday, except public holidays.

In one day, the bus makes 45 trips, covering 292km.

PKNS started the free electric bus service to reduce carbon footprint and its staff were also encouraged to use the free bus.

“Our aim is to reduce single occupant vehicles (SOV) from moving around the busy loop at peak hours.

“People wanting to travel from the PKNS headquarters to the Shah Alam Complex just need to hop on the bus and we see a lot of support from our employees. The management is touched by their support,” said corporate communications manager Ishak Hashim.

Ishak said with the public using the service, it would help create a better environment and curb traffic congestion.

“The bus service is convenient, comfortable and reliable. Our daily tally shows an average of 100 commuters using the service,” he said.

The bus uses the modular, plug- and-play electric power technology which costs RM530,000 per year and is equipped with free WiFi.

Shah Alam City Council hopes the free public bus service will reduce traffic and help residents get around town with ease.

Single mother Kamsiah Daud, 45, said she used the free bus to get to the PKNS Complex when she took her children for an afternoon outing.

“I find it convenient and punctual,” she said.

Sharin Kumar Abdullah, 50, said the free bus was convenient as it passed banks and commercial areas.

Jenny Chin, 36, hopes PKNS will consider having the service on weekends and public holidays as well.

“It should be accessible in more areas where there are many tourists,” she said.