KUANTAN: The new stop-and-go bus service, BAS.MY Kuantan is seen as a way to strengthen the public transport network in this city in preparation for the operation of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) next year.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the initiative under his ministry not only enhances the residents’ daily mobility but also serves as an important complement to the ECRL project in ensuring more efficient connectivity between urban and rural areas.
"Next year, with the completion of the ECRL, the public in Kuantan will have another choice of public transportation that is faster and more efficient, thus complementing the existing bus system.
"BAS.MY Kuantan has been in operation for almost a month now to replace the Rapid Kuantan buses," he said at a press conference after the launching ceremony of the Stage Bus Service Transformation 2.0 programme here on Thursday (Feb 12).
Also present was the Pahang public works, transport, and health committee chairman Datuk Razali Kassim.
Loke said as of January, the service recorded 129,000 passengers or nearly 4,000 people a day, a significant increase that is expected to continue growing in the coming months.
"A total of 55 new buses have been provided, with an allocation of RM15.6mil per year and a five-year contract. After that period, this service will be re-tendered," he said.
According to Loke, the service provided by the local company, Sanwa Tours Sdn. Bhd, covers areas in two local authorities (PBT), namely the Kuantan City Council and the Pekan Municipal Council.
He said the implementation of the bus service is the first phase before being expanded to secondary cities, subject to the approval of the Finance Ministry's allocation.
"So far for rural areas, the government has provided the Interim Stage Bus Support Fund (ISBSF) scheme which gives subsidies to operators like Mara Liner to ensure the continuity of services," he said.
He also said that all the buses used are new, air-conditioned, and offer more comfortable services while adhering to schedules to ensure no disruptions to users.
He added that in an effort to encourage the use of public transport, the government is also providing a free fare initiative for senior citizens, people with disabilities (PWD), and school students who register for a concession card.- Bernama
