Nearly 50,000 people used BAS.MY service as of August; majority of passengers are senior citizens

The BAS.MY free bus service has served 49,611 persons as of August this year, reported Bernama. Senior citizens make up the largest group at 78%, followed by students at 13%, persons with disabilities at 6% and university students at 3%, said transport minister Anthony Loke.

“The BAS.MY service under the Stage Bus Service Transformation Programme focuses on state capitals and surrounding areas, particularly outside the Klang Valley. As of October, the service has been operating in Kangar, Kota Setar, Ipoh, Seremban, Melaka, Johor Baru, Kuala Terengganu, Kota Baru and Kuching. The service is also being gradually introduced in Kota Kinabalu,” Loke said in the Dewan Rakyat, the report wrote.

Johor Baru recorded the largest number of BAS.MY concession card users at 16,832 users, followed by Kuching with 10,215, Ipoh with 7,304, Seremban with 6,310, and Melaka with 4,668.

Meanwhile, Loke said that the government would continue to strengthen public-private partnerships to expand bus stop facilities nationwide and boost public transport usage.

There continued to be challenges in terms of funding and resources as the provision of bus stops also requires the cooperation of local authoriites, and the transport ministry is implementing a public-private partnership model that allows private companies to sponsor and maintain bus stops for advertising opportunities at these locations.

“Not all bus stops need to be built by the government or local authorities. We can provide the sites, and the ministry is developing a programme where private companies can adopt bus stops. This will be a win-win for everyone. I hope work to enhance bus stops and pedestrian walkways will continue,” Loke said.

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