KUCHING: The state government will continue its implementation of RM1 Flat Rate Bus Fare Programme until next year in view of the overwhelming response from members of the public.
Transport Minister Datuk Lee Kim Shin said since its launching, the programme had experienced a significant increase in ridership within seven months of its implementation from 12,657 passengers in May 2020; 77,242 in June; 157,873 in July; a high of 175,877 in August and 184,839 in September; 206,470 in October and 197,686 in November.
“The programme was first launched in May 2020 involving 12 bus companies covering 48 approved bus routes by the Commercial Vehicles Licensing Board (CVLB) in the three major towns in the state namely Kuching, Sibu and Miri.
“With the proposed revival of bus services by interested bus companies, the programme will be extended to Bintulu starting early 2021. These initiatives will help to expand the coverage of this programme in the state and more people are expected to benefit, especially those in the rural areas.
“In addition, MOTS (Transport Ministry) will carry out feasibility studies on the provision of such services in other towns in the state,” he announced in a statement on Saturday (Dec 19).
In order to further improve the programme, Lee mentioned that efforts will be made by his ministry together with relevant agencies especially the Local Government and Housing Ministry (MLGH) and local authorities to improve the related infrastructure including upgrading and building of new bus stations and bus stops in the state.
“All towns in Sarawak should have their own bus stations for the comfort and convenience of the users,” he noted.
Lee also revealed that the Awareness Behavioural Change (ABC) will be implemented by his ministry beginning next year to encourage more people, especially children, to commute using buses when going to work or school as well as other purposes.
“We take cognizance that better bus systems will create better cities and towns for the people. The implication of subpar bus services fall heavily on the most vulnerable members of the society especially those categorised under B40 group and it is expected that through this programme, the bus services will be more inclusive and provide better services to the people.
“For this reason, the Transport Ministry, through this programme, aspires to provide a safe, reliable, affordable and comfortable bus public transport services in the state will also become the preferred mode of transport particularly in the urban and suburban areas.
“I would like to urge the public at large to give themselves the opportunity to travel using public transport including for the purpose of visiting tourism places of interest in the state. This will certainly augur well with the state government initiative to promote domestic tourism in view of the restrictions and challenges from Covid-19 pandemic,” he added.
