Public transport operators ordered to reduce service frequencies and capacity to fight pandemic

KUALA LUMPUR: Air passenger and cargo services are exempted from the Government announcement for public transport operators to further cut their capacity as well as service frequency, says Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.

"This is because aviation is already having very low passenger capacities," he said of the National Security Council’s (NSC) decision to tighten various standard operating procedures (SOP) to address the pandemic.

The directive seeks to limit all the carrying capacity of all modes of sea and land public transport services to 50% of their maximum capacities from May 25.

"Public transport is a vital service but during this extraordinary time, it has become crucial for all to contribute to reducing gatherings and movement of people.

"In this regard, the ministry sincerely hopes for public transport users’ understanding and patience as we work together towards breaking the chains of Covid-19 transmission

across the country," said Dr Wee in a statement on Saturday (May 22).

For bus, ferry and rail services, the relevant public transport agencies under the ministry will make the respective adjustments to their schedules, and users are encouraged to refer to the respective service providers’ social media and websites for further details.

For taxis and e-hailing, each vehicle can only have two passengers, other than the driver, thus limiting occupants to no more than three, including for larger vehicles such as 4WDs and vans.

"Please refer to updates from the NSC for the latest SOPs, and all public transport users are responsible for applying for inter-state and inter-district travel permits from the police where necessary before using any mode of public transport," he said.