RapidKL adds 150 buses to increase efficiency of public transport system

SYARIKAT Prasarana Negara Bhd has added 150 buses to the existing RapidKL fleet to help increase the efficiency of the public transportation system.

Prasarana has also incorporated features to make the buses disabled -friendly.

The buses were assembled in Malaysia and are equipped with CCTV and special bells, while fares can be paid via cash or Touch n Go cards.

The manufacturer, MAN Truck and Bus Sdn Bhd (MTBM), officially handed over the buses to RapidKL, a subsidiary of Prasarana, at the RapidKL Cheras depot.

MTBM managing director Michal Luberadkzi said the project was completed 11 days ahead of schedule.

Prasarana Infrastructure Development Division group director Nor Hassan Ismail said the buses were part of their aim to fulfil the National Key Results Area for transportation.

RapidKL’s Bus Division group director Datuk Mohamed Hazlan Mohamed Hussain said the buses would definitely reduce the waiting time from 20 minutes to 15 minutes along all routes.

“We will also be able to increase revenue with the additional passengers,” he added.

RapidKL buses also has seats for pregnant women, elderly, parents with small children and people with various disability.

The buses are designed with special areas for wheelchair-bound passengers complete with safety seat belts, safety lights at doors as well as emergency window panes.

The vehicles are also equipped with a Passenger Information System (PIS) for the deaf as well as speaker system to announce the stops, a feature to help the blind.

Wheelchair-bound Mohd Ihsan Abdul Karim, 24, who relies on public transport, said the new buses would give him confidence in commuting.

“I have fallen many times inside the buses and decided to rely on taxis. But these new buses seem equipped with safety features that will benefit people like me,” he said.