BAS.MY free bus service has served 49,611 passengers, with senior citizens making up 78% of users across nine state capitals and Kuching.
KUALA LUMPUR: The Transport Ministry’s BAS.MY free bus service has benefited 49,611 people as of August this year.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke revealed that senior citizens constitute 78% of passengers using the BAS.MY concession card programme.
Students account for 13% of users, followed by persons with disabilities at 6% and university students at 3%.
The service operates under the Stage Bus Service Transformation Programme focusing on state capitals and surrounding areas outside the Klang Valley.
Loke said the service currently operates in Kangar, Kota Setar, Ipoh, Seremban, Melaka, Johor Bahru, Kuala Terengganu, Kota Bharu and Kuching.
Kota Kinabalu is gradually introducing the BAS.MY service as part of the ongoing expansion.
Johor Bahru recorded the highest number of concession card users with 16,832 passengers.
Kuching followed with 10,215 users, while Ipoh had 7,304 and Seremban recorded 6,310 passengers.
Melaka registered 4,668 BAS.MY concession card users according to the latest figures.
Responding to bus stop facility shortages, Loke said the government will strengthen public-private partnerships.
He acknowledged challenges in funding and resources for bus stop provision requiring local authority cooperation.
The ministry is implementing a partnership model allowing private companies to sponsor and maintain bus stops.
Companies receive advertising opportunities at bus stops in exchange for their sponsorship under this programme.
Loke emphasised that not all bus stops need to be built by government or local authorities.
The adoption programme enables private companies to maintain bus stops at provided sites.
“This will be a win-win for everyone,” Loke told the Dewan Rakyat during question time.
He expressed hope that efforts to enhance bus stops and pedestrian walkways will continue. – Bernama
