KUALA LUMPUR: Catching an express bus at the Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS) bus terminal here is now a smoother process, as bus tickets purchased online are now embedded with QR codes to facilitate the check-in process before boarding at the terminal.
This integrated system, as opposed to the traditional way of having to queue at a separate counter to generate the QR code, helps cut down congestion and frustration during peak travel periods.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke (pic) said the move, effective this month, is aimed at enhancing passenger flow ahead of the coming Chinese New Year and Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations, where an estimated 30,000 to 40,000 passengers are expected to use the terminal daily to board about 1,000 daily bus trips during these periods.
Loke explained that integration of the QR code with bus tickets allows passengers to head straight for their departure gates instead of having to first generate QR codes at counters, as per previous practice.
“Among the most common grouses we previously received was that passengers who bought tickets online will still have to convert them into QR codes at physical counters here.
“Now, the Land Public Transport Agency (Apad) has made it mandatory for online express bus ticketing agents to integrate QR codes into their ticketing to lend a more comfortable experience,” he told reporters after a walkabout at TBS here yesterday.
For passengers who purchased tickets earlier that did not include QR codes, Loke said they can still obtain them on the TBS website for RM1.
“They only have to key in their ticketing details on the site, where a code will then be produced. At the same time, we will still have physical counters available for any QR generation purposes for those who are not aware of the changes,” he said.
“We must manage crowd control well, and one reason for the previous congestion was due to the QR code generation, which made many passengers unhappy. We are trying to resolve this,” he said.
On a related matter, Loke said he has also reminded the TBS management and operator to ensure facilities are in good working order ahead of the peak travel period.
On a separate matter, Loke said the Bandar Sri Permaisuri Road Transport Department office will shift to TBS in March.
“The current premise is in a shophouse, which always causes congestion. Moving it here makes it easier for the rakyat to perform their transactions, as there is ample parking, while the office is also accessible through public transport,” he said.
