KUCHING: Bus ridership reached over 2.6 million from January to August of this year.
State Transport Minister, Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin, said that out of this number, Kuching saw about 1.07 million ridership. Sibu had the second highest with 915,038, followed by Miri with 535,570, and Bintulu with 154,607.
After introducing the RM1 Flat Rate Bus Fare in 2020, total ridership has grown to 9.9 million up to August this year. To break it down, in 2020 there were over 1.2 million riders, in 2021 it was over 2.5 million, and last year it was over 3.5 million.
“Public transportation isn’t just about buses. It’s an investment in our future.
“Our Ministry, in collaboration with private stakeholders like bus operators, is committed to enhancing the reliability, affordability, and accessibility of public transport,” Lee said at the launching of Bus Asia double-decker bus and BA Logistics Prime Mover at its cargo hub near Jalan Tawi Sli here, today.
On the introduction of the Bus Asia double-decker bus, Lee hoped it will boost Kuching and Sarawak’s image as a progressive state.
“We’ve introduced systems like the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART), hydrogen buses, and now the double-decker buses. This shows how much Sarawak has evolved.
“With these buses, it will attract and encourage more people to use public transport,” he said.
Meanwhile, the double-decker Bus Asia will be operating on the route from Kuching to Sadong Jaya, while the BA Logistics Prime Mover will be operating from Kuching to Miri.
