GOMBAK: The Gombak Integrated Terminal will operate in stages starting March 15, says Transport Minister Anthony Loke.
After a thorough site visit to the terminal, Loke said the bus terminal will start with dropping off passengers and later resume with picking up passengers.
“The Ministry and Public Works Department will be conducting the final inspection by next week as we are targeting for operations to start on March 15,” he said in a press conference held at the terminal here, on Tuesday (March 4).
Loke elaborated that the operations will start with buses travelling from the East Coast, which will be dropping off passengers at the terminal for the first week of operations.
“The second week, operations will continue with passengers boarding the buses to their destinations.
“Hopefully, our target is to have those who want to return to their hometowns by Hari Raya, which falls at the end of the month, could start their journey at this terminal,” he added.
Loke said such an inspection is to ensure the details within the terminal building, such as the toilets for the operators and contractors to improve user experience before the terminal operates.
With the new Gombak Integrated Terminal operating, Loke also expressed hope that it would reduce congestion at the Terminal Bersepadu Selatan at Bandar Tasik Selatan.
He added that the terminal, which will also be linked to the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL), will be equipped with retail stores and a multipurpose hall that is available for rent by the public.
On providing facilities and safety features for persons with disabilities (PwD) at the terminal, Loke said that a designated platform has been provided to facilitate their movement.
"I have been informed that there is an important feature at Gombak Integrated Terminal, where the passengers need to indicate that they are a PwD passenger.
"Their status will be detected in the system and communicated to the driver, who will ensure the bus is parked at a PwD-friendly spot," he said.
The Gombak Integrated Terminal is set to become a major transport hub, integrating bus services, LRT, and railway projects such as the ECRL in the future.
This will enhance travel convenience for passengers heading to the capital from the East Coast states of Pahang, Terengganu, and Kelantan.
