Transport minister Anthony Loke has said that the government is not forcing express bus operators to only operate from Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS) or Terminal Bersepadu Gombak (TBG), reported The Star. This follows the temporary suspension of Aeroline by APAD for the bus operator’s use of its current service points.
“It is not true that we are forcing them to TBS. They have tried to create the perception that we are forcing Aeroline and all other operators to use only TBS and TBG, [but] we are not forcing anyone to go to TBS or TBG, but you must operate from a safe area, a licensed area, as a terminal, and we will ease the process of becoming a terminal,” Loke said.
The transport ministry is reaching out to shopping malls and building owners to help them obtain terminal licences, as the responsibility does not lie with bus operators, said the transport minister.
“The shopping malls must do this. They must apply for the licence, but we are reaching out to them to help them license the terminal. We are doing everything possible to facilitate,” he added.
Loke met with Aeroline express bus operators following public complaints regarding disruption to the express bus firm’s operations, and said that the transport ministry is open to facilitating legal and safe locations for bus operations, and the ministry has instructed the land public transport agency (APAD) to simplify conditions for terminals located in suitable venues.
“For example, Aeroline’s major stop was at the Corus Hotel. Corus Hotel is in the heart of Kuala Lumpur and just by the roadside. I told them, point-blank, that as far as roadside is concerned, that is a no-no. But we are prepared to facilitate operations in areas such as shopping malls, like One Utama, which have proper facilities,” Loke said.
“Previously, they could not get planning permission from the local authority, but I told APAD to ease the conditions. As long as there is no objection from the local authority, we will license the terminal in One Utama. I have already instructed APAD to help facilitate and license One Utama as a bus terminal. Once that is licensed, there should be no problem. Aeroline can continue to operate from One Utama,” he continued.
The transport minister said that other potential locations have been identified by the transport ministry, including LaLaport in Kuala Lumpur, and IOI City Mall in Putrajaya, and the transport ministry’s goal is to create safer and licensed bus terminals across urban areas, and not to restrict operators to one or two facilities, he said.
While the definition of a bus terminal had been very stringent in the past, the transport ministry will review and simplify the criteria in order for more locations to qualify.
“Everyone says today it is not convenient. But the moment an accident happens in front of a shopping mall, we will be blamed. Public opinion will turn against the ministry of transport for allowing buses to pick up or drop off passengers by the side of a major road. So, again, I hope the larger public can see things from multiple perspectives,” Loke said.
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“Everyone says today it is not convenient. But the moment an accident happens in front of a shopping mall, we will be blamed. Public opinion from sabri, peppa, newme, konkeydong, kintakunte and planbs will turn against the ministry of transport for allowing buses to pick up or drop off passengers by the side of a major road. So, again, I hope the larger public can see things from multiple perspectives,” Loke said.
Why not the new Gombak terminal which has lots of parking facilities and not that crowded like Tasek selatan terminal.
because the gombak is for KL-north terminal, while the TBS serves as KL-south gateway
“Everyone says today it is not convenient. But the moment an accident happens in front of a shopping mall, we will be blamed. Public opinion especially planbs will turn against the ministry of transport for allowing buses to pick up or drop off passengers by the side of a major road. So, again, I hope the larger public especially plainsb can see things from multiple perspectives,” Loke said.
They are not forcing but they are “making an offer the operators cannot refuse”. Geddit? Thats why we have a mafia Gomen filled with crooks, criminals & ex-cons.
told you so. nonsense critisicm from plansb again as per my preemptive comment at the very top .
ironic talking about crooks and mafia, sanusi trying to claim penang belong to kedah, trying to force pay high price for river water.
want to talk about crook and mafia, how about east compelling federal to pay them 40% of oil revenue?
Make it safe, no road hogging.
It will be welcomed.
What is not safe? Everyday everywhere RapidKL buses are picking & dropping passengers by roadsides at designated stations same as these express buses which had their designated stations by popular shopping malls.
You want to know what is dangerous? That crony led DRT on call service which is allowed to pickup & dropoff passengers anywhere they like, this is worse than what Aeroline is doing yet this double standard is okay with Loke. Pirahhhlahh!!
DRT is a small van/mpv which is car size, cannot compare with double decker bus. furthermore interstate bus carries lot of foreigners who travels with big luggage bags.
just admit it that APAD made a biased, poor decision. If “roadsides” are not allowed for buses to stop, then EVERYWHERE in KL/PJ is technically a “roadside”.
Yeah, if roadside drop/pickup are not safe then RapidKL should be banned! Stupid Loke logic again!
express interstate buses are diffferent from city buses.
Now we have a clarification from the ministry. A clear explanation of why this huh ha. Not to be mus-reported and for awhile I was puzzled by the directive. Now it is clear the reason for suspension and there are solution beside TBS. That’s good practise! An enforcement that don’t create monopoly!
Very well thought out action!. Good job mot.
It is not safe for anyone to hv big bus pick up passengers on road side. Hv proper terminal such as one utama..
There is also an express bus “terminal” at Subang Parade, YB. Also by the roadside. Is this illegal too?
The flexibility by the MoT is a good development. Not everybody finds TBS to be convenient to go to. Keep it up Anthony Loke.
They literally stopped Aeroline from operating. People are complaining everyday about the conditions at Tbs, other bus terminals. I take the bus almost every other day and i can see the misery of people who rely on the bus because their stops are not covered, many times nothing not even a signboard to show the bus pickup point. I have a Merc that I’d prefer keep parked and use the bus everyday but i have that privilege of option. The powers are too high up to see the realities hence they will never be taken seriously
There are just as many express buses going to Singapore from Berjaya Times Square, which is also by the road side. Why can’t Aeroline join those too including Starmart, Cosmic, Eltabina even KKKL and Sani. I must agree with the minister that the area in front of Corus hotel could be a little tight for comfort and safety.
because in front perjaya times square had ample space for boarding and loading of luggage . its not literally at road side ok .
Whatever you say, some of us do think that it’s best to do it at shopping centre. Let the market decides! Market will tells you what’s best. If lots of accidents, the market will not go shopping centre for buses.