KUALA LUMPUR: Licences will be issued to allow several major shopping malls in the Klang Valley and Putrajaya to operate as public transportation hubs soon, says Anthony Loke.
The Transport Minister said the move would ensure that public transport services operate safely, efficiently and comfortably, while supporting the sustainable mobility agenda and the growth of the country’s tourism sector.
“In Japan, many terminals are integrated with the malls, so this is something we can expand on here,” he told reporters after visiting the Lalaport Transport Hub in the city centre here yesterday.
Among the shopping malls being considered were Sunway Pyramid Mall, 1Utama and IOI City Mall in Putrajaya, Loke added.
On the Lalaport hub, he said its operations would help ease the movement of express buses, particularly those travelling between Singapore to Kuala Lumpur.
Expected to begin operations next month, he said that facilities at the hub have been upgraded to include six departure bays and five arrival bays, a waiting lounge, integrated ticket machines and a travel time display screen.
Also provided is access to interchange facilities for LRT and monorail services, including Bus On Demand (BOD) service.
The hub will focus on bus routes from Singapore to the Klang Valley, without competing with existing terminals such as the South Integrated Terminal (TBS) and the Gombak Integrated Terminal (GIB).
“However, I have provided feedback indicating the need for further enhancements to the hub, such as improved signboards, more display screens and a larger waiting lounge.
“Clear directions are needed for those walking from the Hang Tuah LRT station to the hub,” he added.
Currently, operations at the Lalaport hub involve sightseeing buses and BOD services, in line with the development concept and current needs of the area.
Previously, Loke said that express buses were making stops at Corus Hotel and Berjaya Times Square, which were found to be unsuitable due to the heavy traffic in the area.
He said that the Road Transport Department had previously taken action against the express bus operators for making the unsanctioned stops, but a moratorium was granted pending the operations of the Lalaport hub.
In November last year, Loke dismissed claims that Aeroline and other express bus operators were forced to operate from TBS and GIB, saying they were merely urged to operate from safe and licensed terminals.
