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Bus transport in Malaysia

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Buses play a major role in the public transport of Malaysia, as well as seeing extensive private use. While rail transport has increased over the recent years due to road congestion, the same does not apply to buses, which have generally been used less in most of the area.

History

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Buses, buses are a key part of Malaysia and the country's effort to improve the public transportation in the 13 states in the country. Even though rail and smaller vehicle transport has increased in recent years the buses have slowly been used more in many areas.

Regulation

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Today, bus service provision for public transport in Malaysia is regulated by the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD).

Types in use

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Kuala Lumpur Mini-Bus Service with pink livery used on Hail and ride service, was discontinued from 1 July 1998.
Rapid KL double decker bus and electric buses in Pasar Seni bus hub.

In Malaysia, the most common types of buses used are single-decker buses, double-decker buses, and mini buses. Single-decker buses, also known as city buses, are designed to operate within urban areas and are mostly used for short to medium-length journeys. Double-decker buses, on the other hand, are mainly used for longer journeys, such as intercity travel, and offer greater capacity with their upper decks. Midi buses, which are smaller than full-sized buses but larger than mini buses, are also commonly used in Malaysia.[1] They are ideal for routes with lower passenger demand and narrow roads. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in eco-friendly public transportation, and Malaysia has been introducing electric buses and hybrid buses as well. As of 2021, the Malaysian government plans to launch a pilot program to introduce hydrogen fuel cell buses in Kuching, Sarawak.[2] These buses produce zero-emission and are expected to improve air quality in urban areas.

Services

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Aside from normal urban and inter-urban services, bus transport in Malaysia also has a number of niche uses:

Bus rapid transit systems

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BYD battery-powered electric bus operated in Bandar Sunway, Selangor.

Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) is a high-capacity, high-frequency bus-based public transportation system that has gained popularity in many countries as a cost-effective alternative to traditional light rail systems. BRT systems typically have dedicated lanes, independent stations and high-capacity buses that provide a reliable and efficient service to commuters.

In Malaysia, BRT has become an alternative to light rail proposals due to cost considerations. Currently, only one BRT system in Malaysia, which is the BRT Sunway Line, which serves as a feeder service to the existing rail network in Klang Valley. Sunway BRT services the southeastern suburbs of Petaling Jaya, Selangor and is the world's first all-electric system.[3][4]

Other cities in Malaysia that have plan to implemented BRT systems include Johor Bahru, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu. The BRT system in Johor Bahru, also known as the Iskandar Malaysia BRT, is part of a larger public transportation network that also includes the RTS Link. It will consist of trunk, direct, and feeder bus rapid transit corridors.[5] The BRT Kota Kinabalu and BRT Kuching were planned to provide a reliable and efficient service to commuters in the city centre in both cities.[6][7]

Private uses

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A Hop-On Hop-Off bus at Gurney Drive in George Town, Penang
Hop-On Hop-Off bus at Ipoh

Private buses are commonly used in Malaysia for various purposes such as charter services, school transportation and company employee transportation. For example, charter bus Service is offered by Rapid Penang that provides reliable and affordable transportation options for schools, companies or anyone. The service charges are based on the duration of the service or mileage, ranging from RM 600 to RM 1600.[8] Private buses are commonly used for holiday travel as well, with many companies offering tour packages that include transportation by private bus.

Private buses used for holiday travel in Malaysia are typically equipped with air conditioning, comfortable seating, and often have on-board entertainment systems. They are used for a variety of tours, including city tours, nature tours, and cultural tours. For example, Hop-On Hop-Off concept open top bus is available in Kuala Lumpur and Penang.[9][10] Private buses can be rented for exclusive use by tour groups, providing flexibility and convenience to the group.

Operating companies

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Bus services in Malaysia are primarily operated by private companies, with a few community-based or not-for-profit entities and local authority-affiliated companies also in operation.

Stage bus

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Hup Soon bus in Perak, funded under ISBSF.
UM Shuttle Bus once operated by the university management, currently operated by Kiffah
The campus bus in UPM is managed by its Student Affairs Division

The largest stage bus operator in Malaysia is the government-owned company Prasarana Malaysia Berhad, which operates a number of stage bus services under the subsidiary of Rapid Bus in several regions such as the Klang Valley, Greater Penang and Kuantan. Other major stage bus operators in Malaysia include Causeway Link (mainly in Johor Bahru, Melaka and Klang Valley) and PerakTransit. The federal government also has established the Interim Stage Bus Support Fund (ISBSF) to help cover the daily operating costs of other stage bus operators, especially in rural areas, who have incurred losses due to unprofitable routes. This initiative was created to ensure that small bus companies do not terminate their services and continue to operate in rural areas.[11]

States Service areas Stage bus operators Bus Terminal
Perlis Perlis MyBas (MARA Liner)
Kedah Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) MyBas (MARA Liner), UUM university shuttle bus
Alor Setar, Padang Terap HBR, MARA Liner[12] Shahab Perdana
Sungai Petani Tanjung Mewah
Intercity routes MARA Liner
Rapid Penang
Penang Penang Rapid Penang[13] Weld Quay, KOMTAR, Bukit Jambul, Sungai Nibong, Penang Sentral, The Summit, Dato Kailan
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) USM (Unic Leisure)[14] university shuttle bus
Bukit Mertajam Lean Hock The Summit
Perak Ipoh, Gopeng, Seri Iskandar MyBas (PerakTransit)[15] Medan Kidd
Kuala Kangsar PerakTransit, Wai Thong, Red Omnibus Kuala Kangsar
Lenggong, Gerik PerakTransit[15]
Manjung, Beruas
Batu Gajah
Teluk Intan, Kampung Gajah Teluk Intan
Kampar, Tapah PerakTransit, Hup Soon Kampar
Sungai Siput Bas Perak Sejahtera (PerakTransit), Lintang Jalong Omnibus Sungai Siput
Taiping Red Omnibus, Bas Perak Sejahtera (PerakTransit) Taiping, Kamunting[16]
Blue Omnibus[17] Terminal Taiping
Pantai Remis, Manjung, Sitiawan, Lumut, Simpang, Terong, Changkat Jering, Kuala Sepetang, Matang Blue Omnibus[18] Terminal Taiping, Seri Manjung Bus Station, Lumut Bus Station
Parit Buntar Rapid Penang, Red Omnibus[19]
Sungkai, Bidor Bas Perak Sejahtera (PerakTransit)
Bagan Datuk MARA Liner
Kamunting, Bagan Serai, Selama, Sungai Siputeh, Batu Kurau, Padang Rengas, Simpang Ampat Semanggol Red Omnibus[20]
Jalong, Lasah Lintang Jalong Omnibus[21]
Kelantan Kota Bharu, Tumat, Pasir Mas, Bachok, Machang, Kuala Krai, Gua Musang Mutiara Rentas Desa[22]
Terengganu Kuala Terengganu, Marang, Hulu Terengganu MyBas (MARA Liner)[23]
Pahang Kuantan, Pekan Rapid Kuantan[24] Kuantan Sentral
Pekan Sanwa
Raub Central Pahang, Pahang Lin Siong, Sanwa
Lipis, Jerantut Pahang Lin Siong
Bentong Sanwa, Sri Marong
Temerloh, Maran Green Transit Liner
Selangor 12 cities and municipalities Smart Selangor Klang Sentral, Banting, Rawang
Klang Valley Rapid KL (Causeway Link)

(including MRT and LRT Feeder bus)

Bandar Utama, Wira Damai, Sri Nilam (Bandar Baru Ampang), Terminal Kajang
Rawang, Hulu Selangor MARA Liner Rawang, Bukit Sentosa, Kuala Kubu Bharu
Kuala Selangor, Bestari Jaya Selangor Bus (Causeway Link) Kuala Selangor
Puchong, Port Klang Handal Ceria (Causeway Link)[25] Port Klang
Klang, Banting, Kuala Selangor, Sabak Bernam Wawasan Sutera Klang, Banting
Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) UPM[26] university shuttle bus
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) UKM (Kiffah)[27] university shuttle bus
Sungai Besar PerakTransit[15]
Federal Territories Kuala Lumpur Rapid KL[28] Pasar Seni, Titiwangsa, Maluri, Terminal Bersepadu Selatan
DBKL (Go KL City Bus)[29]
Universiti Malaya (UM) UM (Kiffah)[30] university shuttle bus
Putrajaya Nadi Putra (Rapid KL)[31] Putrajaya Sentral, Kompleks E
KR Travel and Tours Putrajaya Sentral
Negeri Sembilan Seremban, Bahau Khidmat Rakyat

(NS state government free bus)

Terminal 1, Bahau
BAS.MY Seremban (Gopi Travel Tours / KR Travel and Tours)
Port Dickson Port Dickson
Rembau, Tampin Rentas NS (MARA Liner)[32]
Melaka Melaka BAS.MY Melaka (Causeway Link / Panorama Melaka / MARA Liner)[33] Melaka Sentral
Masjid Tanah MARA Liner
Johor 15 cities and municipalities Bas Muafakat Johor[34]
Muar Mayang Sari Bentayan
Batu Pahat, Benut Coastal Batu Pahat
Pontian Kembara City Pontian
Batu Pahat, Kluang Johore Motor Bus, Causeway Link Batu Pahat, Kluang
Iskandar Malaysia[35] (Johor Bahru, Kulai, Pontian, Kota Tinggi) MyBas (Handal Indah Causeway Link) Larkin Sentral, JB Sentral, Gelang Patah, Taman U, Kulai, Kota Tinggi
Transit Link (Causeway Link)
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) UTM Fleet[36] university shuttle bus

Express bus

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Express bus

Express bus services are one of the most convenient ways to travel across Malaysia, where there are over a hundred bus companies. These bus companies offer different routes, schedules, fares and booking procedures. Among these bus companies, several popular bus operators are preferred by both locals and tourists alike.

Transnasional, established in 2007, offers several routes throughout Malaysia, with a fleet of nearly 1,500 buses. The company offers coaches ranging from standard to business and executive class. Mayang Sari Express was founded in 1993 and now has a fleet of over a hundred buses. They offer trips from Johor to Alor Setar and Johor to Pulau Pinang, among other routes. The company provides luxury coaches at competitive prices. KKKL Express began services in 1983.

These popular bus companies in Malaysia offer a range of services that cater to the needs of different passengers. They offer convenient and hassle-free booking, with several online booking options available. The coaches in their fleet are comfortable and equipped with modern amenities, ensuring that passengers enjoy a smooth and comfortable journey.[37]

Manufacturers

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Bus manufacturing in Malaysia is dominated by foreign companies with few domestic manufacturers. However, there have been some local players in the market, including DRB-HICOM Bhd, which manufactures buses through its subsidiary, HICOM Automotive Manufacturers (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd.

Foreign manufacturers such as Scania, Volvo and Mercedes-Benz are among the major players in Malaysia's bus manufacturing industry. Scania has been manufacturing buses in Malaysia since the 1970s and has a significant market share in the country. Volvo, through its Malaysian subsidiary, Volvo Malaysia Sdn Bhd, also manufactures buses locally.

There has been a push towards electric buses in Malaysia, with several companies, including Scania and Volvo, introducing electric bus models in the country.

Subsidies

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In Malaysia, bus subsidies are an important part of the government's efforts to promote public transportation and reduce traffic congestion. One notable initiative is the My50 monthly bus pass, which allows unlimited travel on Rapid KL, MRT and BRT services for only RM50 per month. It was introduced by the Federal Government under the Penjana Economic Recovery Plan in June 2020 as the My30 unlimited travel pass until December 31, 2021. This has been a popular program in the Klang Valley and similar initiatives have been implemented in other states, such as Penang with the Mutiara Pass.[38] Cross-strait bus service (which is known as CAT Bridge) also available to provide bus services between Penang Island and Seberang Perai, and operated at free during working days.[39]

In addition to the unlimited pass program, there have been other subsidies and incentives aimed at encouraging the use of buses. Stage Bus Service Transformation (SBST) was established by the government in 2015. In these states, SBST aims to improve existing bus services by providing better routes, schedules and vehicles. The initiative also includes the introduction of cashless payment systems and the integration of bus services with other modes of public transportation. This program is active in Kangar, Seremban, Ipoh, Kuala Terengganu and Johor Bahru.[40]

Smart Selangor bus service, which is a state-funded bus service funded by the Selangor state government. The service was launched in 2018 as part of the state government's efforts to improve public transportation and reduce traffic congestion in the region. The service is operated by private bus operators under contract with the state government and covers 12 cities and municipalities in Selangor, including Petaling Jaya, Shah Alam, Klang and Subang Jaya. The Smart Selangor bus service features a number of modern amenities and technologies aimed at improving the comfort and convenience of passengers. All buses are equipped with air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and GPS tracking systems, which allow passengers to track the location of their bus in real-time through a mobile app. In addition, the buses are wheelchair-accessible and equipped with CCTV cameras for enhanced security.[41]

To encourage the use of public transportation, the Smart Selangor bus service offers affordable fares and various ticketing options, including cashless payment methods using CePAT apps for non-Malaysians, while Malaysians are excluded from paying the fares.[42] The service also offers a variety of route options that connect to other modes of public transportation, such as rail and bus interchanges and also public amenities including government hospitals, schools and commercial area.

See also

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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Bus transport in Malaysia.

References

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  1. ^ "Mini buses may be back on City roads, trial runs begin Sept 1". 29 August 2019.
  2. ^ "Fuel cell buses in Malaysia: Australian H2X to establish a production line in Sarawak". Sustainable Bus. 2021-11-05. Retrieved 2023-02-24.
  3. ^ "Malaysia Launches World's First Elevated Electric Bus Rapid Transit System". INSIDEEVs. Retrieved 2022-04-06.
  4. ^ "MGCC signs MoU for 100 electric buses in Malaysia - paultan.org". Paul Tan's Automotive News. 2020-03-13. Retrieved 2023-02-24.
  5. ^ "SunCon, WCT potential candidates in Johor RM2.6b bus rapid transit project - Business News - The Star Online". www.thestar.com.my.
  6. ^ Ruben Sario (14 July 2013). "Kota Kinabalu to revamp bus system". The Star. Retrieved 10 March 2016.
  7. ^ Mohamad Raduan Kabit (October 2008). "Towards a Sustainable Transportation System for Kuching City" (PDF). Universiti Malaysia Perlis. Archived from the original (PDF) on 14 March 2016. Retrieved 14 March 2016.
  8. ^ "Rapid Penang's Charter Bus Service". MyRapid. Retrieved 2023-02-24.
  9. ^ Ismail, Melissa Suraya (20 June 2022). "KL Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour Is Jaw-Droppingly Magnificent At Night | TRP". www.therakyatpost.com/. Retrieved 2023-02-24.
  10. ^ LIM, RENA. "More fun rides on Penang Hop-On Hop-Off". The Star. Retrieved 2023-02-24.
  11. ^ https://www.mot.gov.my/en/land/programmes
  12. ^ "JADUAL PERJALANAN BAS KUALA NERANG" (PDF).
  13. ^ "Rapid Penang". MyRapid. Retrieved 2023-02-24.
  14. ^ "Jadual bas". www.mppclicks.usm.my. Retrieved 2023-02-24.
  15. ^ a b c "Stage Bus Routes – Perak Transit Berhad". Retrieved 2023-02-24.
  16. ^ https://web.archive.org/web/20200519174330/http://www.mypublictransport.com:80/2011/10/perak-bus-routes.html
  17. ^ "Blue Omnibus". Facebook. Retrieved 2024-11-08.
  18. ^ "Blue Omnibus". Facebook. Retrieved 2024-11-08.
  19. ^ "The Red Omnibus Co. Sdn. Bhd. (Taiping Local Bus Services) • RailTravel Station". RailTravel Station. Retrieved 2024-11-08.
  20. ^ "The Red Omnibus Co. Sdn. Bhd. (Taiping Local Bus Services) • RailTravel Station". RailTravel Station. Retrieved 2024-11-08.
  21. ^ "Facebook". Facebook. Retrieved 2024-11-08.
  22. ^ "Bas Henti-Henti Kembali Beroperasi di Kelantan, Diusahakan Konsortium E-Mutiara - Surga Route". surgaroute.com/ (in Malay). Retrieved 2023-02-24.
  23. ^ "myBAS Terengganu". Maraliner. Retrieved 2023-02-24.
  24. ^ "Rapid Kuantan". MyRapid. Retrieved 2023-02-24.
  25. ^ "Routes & Schedules - Causeway Link". 2019-12-13. Retrieved 2023-02-24.
  26. ^ "Campus bus services schedule and routes". hep.upm.edu.my. Retrieved 2023-12-22.
  27. ^ "Peta Kampus | Pusat Pembentukan Pendidikan Lanjutan & Profesional". www.ukm.my (in Malay). 2020-09-24. Retrieved 2023-02-24.
  28. ^ "Rapid KL - Bus". MyRapid. Retrieved 2023-02-24.
  29. ^ "DBKL introduces new free bus routes". The Star. Retrieved 2023-02-24.
  30. ^ "Department of Development & Estate Maintenance". jpphb.um.edu.my. Retrieved 2023-02-24.
  31. ^ "Putrajaya buses record higher ridership". The Star. Retrieved 2023-02-24.
  32. ^ "RENTAS NS rancakkan ekonomi penduduk setempat: Aminuddin". Negeri Kita. 2022-06-02. Retrieved 2023-02-24.
  33. ^ "SBST Melaka – Jom Naik Bas".
  34. ^ "BMJ Route & Schedules". PAJ. Retrieved 2023-02-24.
  35. ^ "myBAS - Causeway Link". 2022-03-29. Retrieved 2023-02-24.
  36. ^ "Facebook". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 2023-11-16.
  37. ^ https://www.busticketsonline.com/info/popular-bus-operators-malaysia
  38. ^ Rozlan, Ikmal (2022-12-29). "Penang To Retain Free Bus Rides Under Mutiara Pass For 2023". Lowyat.NET. Retrieved 2023-02-24.
  39. ^ "Penang to launch free cross-strait bus rides". The Star. Retrieved 2023-02-24.
  40. ^ "myBAS". Maraliner. Retrieved 2023-02-24.
  41. ^ Selangor, ed. (2021-03-25). "Smart Selangor Bus welcomes all, new terms to ensure service sustainability". Selangor Journal. Retrieved 2023-02-24.
  42. ^ MANAN, NUR FARHANA ABDUL (2021-03-19). "Wajib imbas kod QR jika naik bas Smart Selangor". Sinar Harian (in Malay). Retrieved 2023-02-24.
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Bus transport in Malaysia.
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