KUALA LUMPUR: Transport Minister Anthony Loke yesterday said express bus operators must operate only from licensed, safer terminals, including major shopping complexes.
He explained that the move is aimed at eliminating hazardous stops that pose safety risks and exacerbate traffic congestion.
He cited bus stops near popular city areas as examples of locations unsuitable for public use due to heavy traffic and passenger safety concerns.
He added that traffic is always congested at certain key locations.
“More importantly, we feel it is not safe for passengers to get on and off buses there,” he told reporters after a site visit to the Lalaport Transport Hub.
Loke said the ministry has granted express bus operators running Kuala Lumpur-Singapore routes a three-month grace period to continue using their existing stops without fines, pending the readiness of proper terminals.
He emphasised that operators are not being forced into a single terminal but must only operate from licensed locations meeting safety standards.
“They have options. They could go to Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS), Gombak, One Utama, IOI City Mall or Sunway Pyramid.
“But they cannot simply stop anywhere they want.
“They must operate from licensed terminals that meet safety requirements.”
Currently, operations at Lalaport are minimal, with only one or two operators using the facility. Loke expects three to four more companies to move in once approvals are secured.
“Our first priority is to ensure all the facilities are ready.
“We also need approvals from Kuala Lumpur City Hall, and the Land Public Transport Agency is prepared to issue licences once all requirements are met.”
Designed mainly for Kuala Lumpur-Singapore express services, Lalaport complements larger terminals such as TBS and Gombak, which continue to serve domestic routes to the north, south, and east coast.
The ministry targets February for Lalaport to be fully operational.
At the function, Loke was joined by Asia Success Resources Sdn Bhd CEO Aaron Chuah Ze Pey and Land Public Transport Agency deputy director-general (development) Ahmad Radhi Maarof.
The Lalaport Transport Hub in Bukit Bintang City Centre, operated by Asia Success Resources, supports tourist and charter bus services in central Kuala Lumpur.
It features 11 bus bays, a centralised ticketing system, LRT and Monorail access and a Bus On Demand service connecting nearby areas.
