Good response to free bus service in Taman Sentosa and Kampung Jawa

The KLG 3C bus is making it easier for the B40 community in Klang to move around town.

KLANG Municipal Council (MPK) has introduced a free bus service for low-income groups in Taman Sentosa and Kampung Jawa.

This comes after the commercial bus service ceased operations in these areas due to movement restrictions during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Over the past three weeks, the Smart Selangor Bus KLG 3C (operated by RapidKL) has made life easier for the B40 community living along the circular route it plies from Bandar Putera – Jalan Kebun Nenas (Taman Sentosa) – Jalan Sungai Jati – Jalan Kebun (Kampung Jawa) – Jalan Raja Nong to Bandar Klang.

MPK Urban Planning Department Public Transport Unit coordinator Norhayati Mohd Ladzim said the KLG 3C bus covering a 36.7km distance with 65 stops had attracted good ridership.

“The public transport unit relooked the old commercial bus route where KLG 3C plies and it included the flats where the B40 community live.

“We have ensured that the bus passes by the primary and secondary schools, hypermarkets, a private hospital, clinics and places of worship.

“The circular route is designed to help people in the B40 income bracket,” she said.

Norhayati added that some of the flats’ residents had lost their jobs while those working in manufacturing plants faced pay cuts besides grappling with their pre-existing commitments.

“Based on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 11, MPK’s changes for the bus route is towards making public transportation more accessible.

“In the first week, there were 15 to 25 people on the bus and in the third week, ridership reached 150.

“Families are grateful for the free bus service as their children are able to go to school.

“Housewives can go to the market and senior citizens can easily go for their appointment at the hospital or clinic.

“The free bus service is needed to ease people’s burden especially now that food prices have increased,” she said.

Norhayati said the air-conditioned bus was convenient as it had free WiFi, close circuit television (CCTV) camera and was linked to the Selangor Intelligent Transport System (SITS app) for commuters to plan their travels.

“Passengers find it easier to travel due to the app as they can monitor the estimated arrival time.

“MPK aims to get more Klang folk to use the free bus service,” she said.

Welder Samsudin Osman, 53, said he used the KLG 3C bus as it was convenient.

“I used to have a motorbike but it was ruined in the Dec 18 floods last year.

“I don’t have the money to get a new motorbike so the bus is the best option,” he said.

Homemaker Suganthi Meena Maniam, 35, said she used the bus to go to the supermarket.

“I am glad that there is free transportation as it also helps my children get to school,” she added.