KUCHING: The free school bus service will be implemented either in April or May next year, said Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
At first, the service will be implemented in Kuching as a pilot initiative before being extended to Miri, Sibu and Bintulu.
“The relevant authorities are currently identifying the routes and total number of buses for the purpose.
“At present, we have identified two routes in Petra Jaya involving Matang as well as from Kuching south to Tabuan Jaya.
“The bus service will be based on the ‘hop on-hop off’ concept; students can board the buses to go to their respective schools on the routes provided,” he said.
Abang Johari said this in his speech when officiating the Congress of the Union of Employees in the office of the Public and Civil Services (Cuepacs) at Jalan Bamfylde here yesterday.
Abang Johari pointed out that the service was important to help reduce the Sarawakians’ cost of living including public service.
“If not, the parents would have to pay at least RM40 a month for school bus fares. We want to ease their burden,” he said
In the recent State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting in November, Abang Johari announced that the state government would introduce the free school bus service next year in Kuching City to reduce traffic congestions in urban areas as well as to reduce the burden of Sarawakians in terms of public transport.
