TAMAN Pusat Kepong residents in Kuala Lumpur want the bus service reinstated in their area despite the introduction of the Demand Responsive Transit (DRT) services.
They say the transition to an app-based transport system has sidelined vulnerable commuters, specifically senior citizens who struggle with the technology and increased cost of travel.
Regular commuter Low Siew Choo highlighted the significant price hike after bus services were halted in January and replaced by DRT.
“Under the previous system, I paid just 50sen per journey by utilising my senior citizen discount, but the new DRT service costs RM2 per trip.
“I used to take the bus twice a week to visit a traditional Chinese medicine clinic in Taman Kok Doh, Kuala Lumpur.
“We are unfamiliar with the DRT service and app, making the booking process very difficult,” she said.
Low added that since the buses stopped running, many residents have been forced to use e-hailing services, which cost a minimum of RM6 per trip.
For Wong Fui Chyn, the change has turned a short walk into an arduous journey.
“We used to wait along Jalan Udang Batu, which is right in front of Taman Segambut.
“I now have to walk to the edge of the neighbourhood to catch a bus,” she said.
Social activist Yee Poh Ping said residents previously waited for the bus at a gazebo along Jalan Udang Batu and a proper bus stop was finally being built there after years of lobbying.
“We applied for a bus stop in 2022 and construction only began last December.
“According to a notice board erected next to the bus stop, the construction will be completed by March 8.
“Ironically, in January, they replaced the bus service with DRT. What is the use of this bus stop now?” he asked.
Yee emphasised that the original route provided a direct link to Chow Kit.
“I am appealing to the authorities to consider reinstating the bus service as demand is high,” he said.
