Govt open to procuring more electric buses, says Transport Minister

KUALA LUMPUR: The Transport Ministry is welcoming ideas on how to obtain more affordable electric buses for public transportation, says Anthony Loke Siew Fook.

"We welcome ideas to help obtain more affordable electric buses just as how Sarawak has introduced its first hydrogen-powered bus service under a joint pilot project," he said in reply to Datuk Dr Zulkafperi Hanapi (PN-Tanjong Karang) in Parliament.

Loke said the ministry faces problems purchasing electric buses as they cost two times more than conventional buses, and there aren't enough charging stations to help support the buses as they travel on the road.

Loke also welcomed parties who can provide transportation services for rural folks as they lack vehicles due to low ridership.

"We welcome any help from non-governmental organisations (NGO), private companies and fellow lawmakers," he said.

Loke added that the ministry is introducing "'demand responsive transit" in cities which provides transport services to the public via a phone app.

At present, Loke said the government has invested RM115mil each year for the my50 initiative which is a 30-day travel pass for all Rapid KL services in Klang Valley that covers rail and bus rides operated by Prasarana Malaysia Bhd.

"The ministry has also invested RM105mil each year under the Interim Stage Bus Service Fund (ISBSF) to help local bus operators who face losses due to operational costs.

"This is to help them continue operations," he said.

The ministry also channelled RM150mil for myBAS stage bus services to expand in phases to new cities nationwide to improve services in terms of sustainability and reliability.