Negeri Sembilan is the first state to launch the operation with a total of 46 buses—44 minibuses and 2 vans—worth RM79 million (around GBP13.9 million).
Pink Buses “Look Cheerful and Attract People” – Transport Minister Loke
New pink buses and a cashless payment system have been made available as a part of the Stage Bus Service Transformation (SBST) programme across Malaysia, the Bernama News Agency reported on 16 August 2024.
According to Transport Minister Anthony Loke, Negeri Sembilan is the first state to launch the operation with a total of 46 buses—44 minibuses and 2 vans—worth RM79 million (around GBP13.9 million).
“Gopi Travel Tours Sdn Bhd is entrusted as the operator of the SBST service network for three corridors namely Kuala Klawang, Kuala Pilah/Bahau, and Port Dickson including 10 routes connecting the area with the city of Seremban in a five-year contract while package A for other routes will be launched late,” said Loke, as quoted by the Bernama News Agency.
“We are targeting implementation in Johor Bahru, Melaka, Kangar, Ipoh, Kuala Terengganu, Kuantan, Kota Setar, Kota Bharu, and also Sabah and Sarawak. Each state, except the Klang Valley and Penang, will be implemented in phases where we will also launch this bus in Melaka soon, which already has a new contractor appointed, while other states will have to wait for the old contract to expire,” he emphasised.
Loke also commented about the pink colour chosen for the new bus design. He said that “it looks cheerful and attracts more people to use the public transport”. However, buses and payment systems are not the only ones being upgraded.
Loke also stated that the Seremban City Council and the state government are also planning to upgrade Terminal One. “Hopefully, by next year the project will be completed to give a new look for people to wait for buses comfortably,” he said.
Every bus will be equipped with a Global Positioning System (GPS) to monitor the route frequency that has been set at between 30-60 minutes. Closed circuit cameras (CCTV) have also been installed inside the buses to enhance security.
“We don’t want to hear passengers waiting for two to three hours without a bus. If the operator doesn’t follow the schedule, we will cut the payment to them,” he said.
According to Loke, the elderly, the disabled, and school students will still be able to access the service freely through ‘myBAS Concession’ simply by registering.
An additional service to the people of Seremban and the state will also be provided as bus operators are required to bring patients with limited mobility such as wheelchair-bound patients for specific medical treatment purposes such as to dialysis centres or hospitals known as BAS.MY Medik.
“This service is a paid service with a minimal fare charged,” he said.
